MMR

MMR is a term that refers to mumps, measles, and rubella.

Mumps is a contagious infection caused by the mumps virus. The disease spreads through coughing and sneezing. A common sign of mumps is swelling of the salivary gland near the ear, which can make your cheek look swollen. An infection also often happens without noticeable symptoms.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is caused by the measles virus. The measles virus spreads through tiny droplets that infected people breathe out, sneeze, or cough. A person with measles is contagious as soon as the first symptoms appear.

Rubella is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. This virus only affects humans and spreads through droplets in the air, such as those released when someone coughs or sneezes. A person with rubella can be contagious for up to a week before the first symptoms show. When pregnant women get infected, it can lead to serious birth defects in the baby or even a miscarriage.

Where do mumps, measles, and rubella occur?

Mumps, measles, and rubella occur worldwide. Many people have already been vaccinated through the National Immunisation Programme with the MMR vaccine, but sometimes outbreaks still happen, even in the Netherlands.

What are the symptoms?

How can you prevent mumps, measles, and rubella?

You can prevent mumps, measles, and/or rubella by getting vaccinated. Most people are vaccinated through the National Immunisation Programme, which provides vaccinations for children at 14 months and again at 9 years old. A vaccination against MMR cannot completely prevent you from getting infected, but it does reduce the chances of becoming very ill. The vaccination is a 3-in-1-vaccin. If you have not been vaccinated before and have not had the diseases, it is advisable to get vaccinated now.

More information

If you’d like to learn more about mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR), please check out the RIVM information page here: MMR | RIVM.