Mumps

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can cause swelling in the salivary glands. It is caused by the mumps virus, which is primarily spread through saliva or respiratory secretions. Anyone can get mumps, but it is most common in children younger than 10 years old. Symptoms of mumps include swelling of the cheeks and jaw, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and exhaustion.

Symptoms of Mumps

Early symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, and loss of appetite. Other mumps symptoms include:

Pain and swelling in the salivary glands, usually on one or both sides of the face
Pain when chewing, swallowing, or talking
Dryness or stiffness of the jaw
A sore throat
Tiredness and body aches

Diagnosing Mumps

A diagnosis of mumps is typically made based on a physical examination and medical history. Your doctor may also order a blood or urine test to confirm the diagnosis. If your doctor suspects that your mumps infection is severe or could be spreading to other areas of your body, they may order additional tests.

Treatment

Mumps can usually be treated with rest, fluids, and pain medication to reduce fever and discomfort. In more severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce the risk of complications. There is currently no specific treatment for mumps, but the virus usually runs its course in a few weeks. In rare cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Complications of Mumps

Mumps can sometimes cause more serious complications, including:

Deafness
Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or of the tissue covering the brain (meningitis)
Inflammation of the testicles or ovaries
Inflammation of the pancreas
Infection of the heart

Preventing Mumps

The best way to protect yourself and others from mumps is to get vaccinated. The mumps vaccine is usually given as part of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is recommended that all children get the MMR vaccine at age 12-15 months and again before starting kindergarten or each time they enter school.