The MMR vaccine is a 3-in-1 combination vaccine offering protection against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). While only the measles vaccine is mandatory, many parents opt for the MMR vaccine for the added protection from mumps and rubella because both infections can cause serious complications. Unfortunately, the MMR vaccine has also received a lot of negative press because of supposed links to autism which is totally unfounded.
Mumps is not a very common childhood infection but there are still occasional outbreaks in South Africa. Mumps is caused by a virus that is contagious like the flu. Complications from mumps infection is rare but if it is not monitored carefully, it can lead to serious complications that could be life threatening. One of the main characteristics of mumps is inflammation of the parotid gland, a gland which produces saliva and is located by the back of the jaw, just in front of the ears.
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