Measles and Mumps Tests

Measles and mumps are infections caused by similar types of viruses. They are contagious, which makes them easy to spread from person to person but vaccines can help keep you from getting them. There are different types of measles and mumps tests.

These tests can: Diagnose an infection you (or your child) have now or recently had.; Show whether you are immune (protected against infection) to measles and mumps because you had a vaccination or a past infection.; Measles and mumps are both very contagious: Measles causes symptoms like a bad cold or the flu. It also causes a flat, red rash. The rash usually starts on your face and spreads all over your body.; Mumps causes symptoms like the flu with painful swelling of the salivary (spit) glands, which makes your cheeks and jaw puffy.

In general, mumps is a milder disease than measles.; Most healthy people with measles or mumps infections will get better in about two weeks or less. But sometimes these infections cause serious problems, such as encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles may also cause pneumonia and serious problems during pregnancy.

In the United States, most people have been vaccinated against measles and mumps. But, the number of kindergarteners who have been vaccinated against measles and mumps has dropped below 95% (and even more in some communities). This has caused it to spread to more people.

Measles can also come from unvaccinated people who have traveled to countries where measles is common and returned home with the disease. Outbreaks of mumps, however, still happen in the U.S., mainly in group living situations, such as colleges. Some people who have been vaccinated may still get mumps during an outbreak, but they will usually have mild symptoms.

Why this test is done

You may need a test to check your immunity to measles and mumps if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are going to attend a school or start a job that requires proof that you are immune
• Are a health care worker who may be exposed to people with measles or mumps

Your health care provider may order a measles or mumps test if you or your child has symptoms of measles or mumps.

Symptoms of measles include:

• Rash that starts on the face and spreads to the chest and legs
• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Pink eye (also called conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots in the mouth

Symptoms of mumps include:

• Swollen, painful jaw and puffy cheeks
• Headache
• Earache
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Painful swallowing

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for measles testing or mumps testing.

Sample type

Blood Swab CSF

Other names for this test

measles immunity test, mumps immunity test, measles blood test, mumps blood test, measles viral culture, measles virus by RT-PCR, mumps virus by RT-PCR, measles antibody IgM, IgG, mumps antibody IgM