Mumps IgG and IgM

Are your cheeks swollen in front of the ears or under the jaw, with fever and headache? Or do you need to check protection against mumps? Mumps virus antibody testing shows previous illness or vaccination and helps confirm suspected mumps.

Who the test is for

• people with painful salivary gland swelling in front of an ear or under the jaw, on one or both sides;
• young men and men with a painful swollen testicle alongside or after gland swelling;
• people exposed to an infected person;
• adults without vaccination records;
• healthcare workers, students and people working with children when immunity needs checking;
• women planning pregnancy, alongside rubella and measles protection checks.

Severe headache with neck stiffness and vomiting, confusion or sudden severe testicular pain requires emergency help: call 194 or 112 or go to an emergency department.

What the test reveals

Mumps is a viral disease spread by droplets and saliva. Its best-known sign is salivary gland swelling, making the face look puffy. It can also affect the testes, ovaries, pancreas or meninges. Other viruses, bacteria or a stone can also cause salivary gland swelling, so testing helps distinguish the cause.

• IgG indicate previous mumps or vaccination.
• IgM suggest recent infection or vaccination.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) protects well but less strongly against mumps than measles, so vaccinated people occasionally develop it, usually more mildly.

The procedure and preparation

Blood is taken from a vein, taking a few minutes. No fasting or special preparation is needed. State when swelling appeared and whether you were vaccinated, because this affects interpretation.

What your result means

• IgG positive: you were vaccinated or have had mumps. This usually means protection, but does not completely guarantee it for mumps.
• IgG negative: protection is unconfirmed. A doctor may recommend vaccination, but not during pregnancy. In someone with two documented vaccine doses, negative IgG does not necessarily mean no protection.
• IgM positive: recent infection or vaccination is possible, as is a false-positive result.
• IgM negative: does not exclude mumps, particularly in vaccinated people, in whom IgM is often absent. To confirm infection, a doctor usually arranges PCR on a buccal swab at a reference laboratory during the first days of swelling.

Thresholds are printed on the report. Mumps must legally be notified to the epidemiological service; a doctor interprets results alongside examination and vaccination history.

How to arrange testing

You can have blood taken without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. Alongside mumps you can also check protection against measles and rubella.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get mumps if vaccinated?

Yes, but less often than unvaccinated people, and usually with milder illness and fewer complications. Mumps is therefore considered even in vaccinated people with salivary gland swelling.

How long is someone with mumps infectious?

From several days before swelling to about five days afterwards. Stay home and avoid contact with others during this period, particularly unvaccinated people.

Can mumps cause infertility?

Testicular inflammation occurs in some men infected after puberty and can shrink the testicle, but infertility is rare. Ovarian inflammation in women usually resolves without lasting effects.

Should I check immunity if vaccinated in childhood?

Two documented doses are considered proof of protection, so testing is not mandatory. It is useful when vaccination records are unavailable or an employer requests a check.