15007 Mumps

Overview

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that mostly causes swelling and pain in the glands that make saliva. These glands are near your jaw and cheeks, so you may see a puffy face. Mumps can be unpleasant, but most people get better fully with rest and care at home.

In places where the MMR vaccine is widely used, mumps is rare. Still, outbreaks can happen, especially in schools, universities, or communities where fewer people are vaccinated.

Mumps can affect anyone who has not been fully vaccinated or has never had mumps. It most often affects children between 5 and 9 years old, but teenagers and adults can catch it too, and they sometimes get sicker.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Swelling and pain in one or both jaw or cheek glands
• Pain when chewing, swallowing, or opening the mouth widely
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and tiredness
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms in children

• Swelling in the cheeks or jaw (often the first clear sign)
• Fussiness or general discomfort, especially in younger children
• Fever and headache
• Soreness when eating or drinking, so a child may eat or drink less

Symptoms in older adults

• Same symptoms as children, but they can be more intense
• Higher risk of swelling in the testicles (in males) or ovaries (in females)
• More severe fatigue and body aches
• Complications like inflammation of the tissue covering the brain are more likely in adults

Causes

Main causes

• A virus called the mumps virus, which belongs to a group called paramyxoviruses
• The virus lives in saliva and respiratory droplets, and it enters the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes
• You can catch mumps by breathing in droplets when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, or talks
• You can also catch mumps by touching surfaces with the virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose

Risk factors

• Not being vaccinated with the MMR vaccine
• Living or studying in a close community, such as a dormitory, school, or military barracks
• Traveling to an area where mumps is still common
• Having a weakened immune system due to illness or certain medical treatments

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You suspect mumps and have a severe headache, stiff neck, or swelled testicles
• You or your child cannot drink fluids and show signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, very less urine)
• Symptoms suddenly get much worse, like a high fever that will not settle

Book a routine appointment if:

• You think you or your child has mumps, even if symptoms seem mild
• You have been in close contact with someone who has mumps and you are unsure about your vaccination status
• Symptoms last more than a couple of weeks

Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose mumps by asking about your symptoms and examining you, especially checking for the swelling in your jaw or cheek. Because mumps is now uncommon, your doctor may confirm the diagnosis with a test.

Tests that may be done

• A swab from the inside of your cheek to look for the mumps virus
• A blood test to check for antibodies your body makes to fight the mumps virus
• A urine test in some cases, but it is less common

What to expect at your appointment

If your doctor suspects mumps, they may ask you to stay calm and isolated to avoid spreading the virus. You might be asked to wear a mask in the waiting area. The doctor will explain the diagnosis and give you clear instructions on home care, what symptoms to watch for, and when to call back.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine to cure mumps. Because it is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not work. Treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms while your body clears the infection. Most people recover at home with rest, fluids, and simple comfort measures.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest to help your immune system fight the virus
• Drink enough fluids like water, herbal tea, or clear soup to stay hydrated
• Use a warm or cool compress on the swollen area to ease pain
• Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or soup and avoid acidic or sour foods, which may make the pain worse
• Gargle warm salty water if swallowing is painful (for older children and adults)
• Stay home from work, school, or public places until you are no longer contagious, usually at least 5 days after the swelling begins

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to lower fever and ease aches, but always ask your doctor or pharmacist which ones are safe for you or your child. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers under 18, as it can cause a rare but dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome. In some cases, doctors may offer immunoglobulin (antibodies) to people at high risk who were exposed, but this is not a routine treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for mumps. Rare complications, like fluid around the brain or an abscess in the swollen gland, might require hospital treatment, but that would be decided by your specialist team.

Living with this condition

While you recover, it is important to rest and stay hydrated. You should also isolate yourself to protect others: stay away from work, school, and public areas, especially during the first 5 days after the swelling appears. Wash your hands regularly and avoid sharing cups, utensils, or towels.

Lifestyle tips

• Get enough sleep and take naps if you feel tired
• Avoid intense exercise until you feel fully better
• Do not smoke and avoid smoky places, as this can irritate your throat
• Keep your mouth clean by brushing gently and rinsing with water

Diet and exercise

Eat soft, bland foods that do not require much chewing, and avoid very hot, spicy, or acidic foods that may make your saliva glands hurt. Drink plenty of fluids, but skip drinks that are very sour, like lemonade or orange juice. Resume normal activity gradually as your energy returns.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being sick and isolated can feel lonely, frustrating, or scary. It is normal to feel a bit low when you cannot see friends or go to school or work. Try to keep in touch with people by phone or video calls, and talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. If you are feeling very anxious or depressed, reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Prevention

Yes, mumps can be prevented with vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine safely protects against mumps. Getting one dose is good, but two doses provide much stronger and longer-lasting protection.

Vaccines

The MMR vaccine is given as a scheduled part of childhood immunizations. You can still catch mumps even if you were vaccinated, but it will likely be milder and less likely to cause complications. If you are not sure whether you have had both doses, ask your doctor or local health clinic.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for mumps in healthy people. Blood tests to check immunity are sometimes done for healthcare workers or pregnant women, but they are not part of general screening.

Complications

If left untreated

• Inflammation of the testicles in males, which can cause pain and, very rarely, might affect fertility
• Inflammation of the ovaries or breast tissue in females, which can be painful but is rarely serious
• Inflammation of the lining around the brain (meningitis) or the brain itself (encephalitis)
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which causes stomach pain and vomiting
• Hearing loss, which is usually temporary but can be permanent in rare cases

Long-term outlook

Most people — especially children — recover fully from mumps within a couple of weeks without any long-term problems. With the MMR vaccine, mumps is far less common than it used to be, and when it does happen, complications are rare. Following your doctor's advice and getting plenty of rest gives you the best chance of a smooth recovery.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization ↗
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ↗

Local organisations

• Your local GP surgery or health centre · International

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