I have already had mumps for the third time. Is it contagious?
Disease description:
I have already had mumps three times. I don't know whether it could be transmitted to my family members. I would like to ask, if someone has already had mumps for the third time, is it still contagious?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
Whether mumps is contagious after having it for the third time depends on the type of mumps and the individual patient's circumstances.
In general, epidemic mumps triggers the immune system to produce antibodies after infection, so most people will only experience it once in their lifetime. However, there are other types of mumps, such as acute suppurative mumps, which can be caused by different pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, and may recur multiple times.
For cases in which mumps has occurred three times, if the first two instances were both epidemic mumps, then theoretically the likelihood of contracting epidemic mumps a third time is low, as it usually confers lifelong immunity. However, if two or one of the prior instances were other types of mumps, such as acute suppurative mumps, then a recurrence may still be possible, and whether it is contagious depends on whether the pathogen causing the recurrence is itself contagious.
It is recommended to seek timely medical treatment when symptoms of mumps appear.
