Measles and mumps, two highly contagious viral infections, require accurate diagnosis to prevent their spread. This article explores the various tests available to detect these diseases, their usefulness in screening and immunity, and the procedures for getting tested, thus ensuring better public health.
Measles and mumps are infections caused by similar viruses. There are various types of tests for measles and mumps. These tests can:
Both measles and mumps are highly contagious, which means they spread easily from person to person:
Most healthy people with measles or mumps infections recover in about two weeks or less. But sometimes these infections cause serious complications, such as encephalitis (brain swelling). Measles can also cause pneumonia and serious problems during pregnancy.
In the United States, most people have been vaccinated against measles and mumps. As a result, measles has become a rare disease in this country. Most cases of measles come from unvaccinated people who have traveled to countries where measles is common and have returned home with the disease.
Epidemics of mumps are still happening in the United States, mostly in group living situations, such as in universities. Some people who have been vaccinated may still get mumps during an epidemic, but they will generally have mild symptoms.
Other names: measles immunity test, mumps immunity test, measles blood test, measles blood test, mumps virus culture, mumps virus culture, measles virus by RT-PCR, mumps virus by RT-PCR, mumps virus by RT-PCR, measles virus by RT-PCR, measles antibody IgM, IgG
Measles and mumps tests can be used to:
An MMR antibody test is a unique blood test used to help diagnose both measles and mumps or to see if you are immune. MMR stands for measles, mumps, and rubella. Rubella, also known as German measles, is caused by a different type of virus.
You may need a test to check your immunity against measles and mumps if you:
Your health care provider may order a measles or mumps test if you or your child have symptoms of measles or mumps.
Symptoms of measles include:
Symptoms of mumps include:
There are various ways to test for measles and mumps. Antibody tests require a blood sample. Molecular tests often use a blood or fluid sample from your mouth, throat, or nose:
If your provider thinks you have measles or mumps, you may have more than one test. Additionally, if your provider thinks measles or mumps caused encephalitis or meningitis, you may need a lumbar puncture. For a lumbar puncture, your healthcare professional will insert a thin, hollow needle into your spine and remove a small amount of fluid for testing.
You do not need special preparations for measles tests or mumps tests.
There is very little risk associated with measles or mumps tests.
Negative test results mean that no signs of measles or mumps were found in your sample. This usually means you don't have measles or mumps right now. If you have had a negative result on an antibody test, it also means that you are not immune to measles or mumps.
Positive test results mean different things depending on what test you took:
Talk to your provider if you have questions about test scores.
If you (or your child) have a measles or mumps infection, you should stay home for several days to recover and to make sure you don't spread the disease. Your supplier will let you know when it is acceptable to resume your regular activities.
Learn more about lab tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
Vaccination is the best protection against measles and mumps and their complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
If you are not sure if you are immunized against measles and mumps, or if you have questions about vaccine safety, talk to your healthcare provider.
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