How long after active exposure or post-exposure to mumps should susceptible healthcare personnel (HCP) be restricted from work?

• A. From the 12th day after first exposure through 26th day after last exposure, or until nine days after onset of parotitis
• B. From the day of exposure to 21 days after
• C. For 7 days after exposure
• D. No restriction is required

Answer: (A)

Managing exposure to mumps hinges on the incubation period and when the virus can be transmitted. Mumps has an incubation range of about 12 to 26 days. Therefore, susceptible healthcare personnel who have had a known exposure should be excluded from work starting on the 12th day after the first exposure and continuing through the 26th day after the last exposure to cover the full window during which illness could develop. If parotitis occurs, the person should remain away from work until 9 days after onset of parotitis because contagiousness generally ends by that time. If no symptoms develop by the end of the 26 days after last exposure, they may return to work. Shorter restrictions would risk missing late-onset cases, and no restriction would risk potential transmission.