RelentCare ENT,CHEST and Facial Aesthetic Centre, Thrissur, Kerala
Mumps: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Relentcare ENT Centre - Pediatric ENT
What is Mumps?
Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, which are located near the ears. The infection can also spread to other parts of the body, including the testes, ovaries, pancreas, and brain membranes (meninges).
The most noticeable symptom is swollen cheeks and jaw, giving a “hamster-like” appearance.
Once someone has had mumps, they usually develop lifelong immunity against the virus.
Fast Facts About Mumps
✅ Mumps is extremely contagious.
✅ Around 20% of people infected show no symptoms.
✅ The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent mumps.
✅ There is no antiviral treatment—only symptom management.
Symptoms of Mumps
Mumps symptoms typically appear 12 to 25 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of 16 to 18 days.
Early Symptoms (Flu-Like Stage)
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Fever (low-grade)
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Headache
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Muscle aches
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Loss of appetite
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Fatigue
Main Symptoms
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Painful, swollen cheeks & jaw (parotid gland swelling)
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Difficulty chewing & swallowing
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Fever (up to 103°F or 39°C)
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Dry mouth
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Pain in joints
How Long is Mumps Contagious?
🦠 Mumps can spread for 15 days:
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6 days before symptoms appear
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Up to 9 days after symptoms start
📌 To prevent spreading, children should stay home from school or daycare for at least 5 days after swelling begins.
How Does Mumps Spread?
Mumps is transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected saliva. It can spread through:
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Coughing or sneezing
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Sharing utensils, food, or drinks
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Kissing
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Touching infected surfaces and then touching the mouth or nose
Treatment for Mumps
Since mumps is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not work
Treatment focuses on symptom relief:
✅ Rest & Hydration – Encourage plenty of fluids, especially water (avoid fruit juices, which stimulate saliva production).
✅ Cold or Warm Compress – Apply to swollen glands for pain relief.
✅ Soft Diet – Eat foods that are easy to chew (soups, mashed foods).
✅ Pain Relief – Use paracetamol or ibuprofen (as per doctor’s advice).
✅ Gargle Warm Salt Water – Helps soothe throat discomfort.
✅ Isolation – Avoid school or work for at least 5 days after swelling begins.
⛔ Avoid citrus fruits and acidic foods as they can increase pain.
When to Contact a Doctor?
⚠️ Severe swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
⚠️ High fever (above 102°F / 39°C) that does not go down
⚠️ Severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion (possible meningitis)
⚠️ Testicular or abdominal pain (possible complications)
⚠️ Vomiting, dehydration, or extreme fatigue
Complications of Mumps
Complications are rare but more common in adults than children.
These include:
🔴 Orchitis (testicle inflammation) – Affects 1 in 5 adult males with mumps; rarely causes infertility.
🟠 Oophoritis (ovary inflammation) – Affects 1 in 20 adult females; rarely leads to fertility issues.
🟢 Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – Occurs in 1 in 20 cases and causes abdominal pain.
🔵 Viral Meningitis – A rare but serious complication when the virus infects the brain and spinal cord membranes.
⚫ Encephalitis (brain swelling) – Extremely rare (1 in 6,000 cases), but can be life-threatening.
🟣 Hearing Loss – Rare (1 in 15,000 cases) but can be permanent.
📌 Pregnancy Risk: Contracting mumps during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy slightly increases the risk of miscarriage.
Diagnosis of Mumps
Mumps is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination (checking swollen glands).
Doctors may also:
🩸 Check blood, saliva, or urine samples to confirm the virus.
🧪 Test cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in severe cases to check for meningitis.
Prevention of Mumps
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps.
🩺 MMR Vaccination Schedule:
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1st dose: At 12-15 months
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2nd dose: At 4-6 years
📌 Effectiveness:
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One dose is 78% effective
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Two doses are 88% effective
Who Should Get the MMR Vaccine?
✅ Children (as part of routine immunization)
✅ Adults born after 1957 who never had mumps or the vaccine
✅ People traveling to high-risk countries (India, Southeast Asia, Africa, etc.)
✅ Healthcare workers & school staff
⛔ Who Should Avoid the MMR Vaccine?
❌ Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy within 4 weeks
❌ People with severe immune system disorders
❌ Individuals allergic to neomycin or gelatin
Preventing the Spread of Mumps
✅ Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
✅ Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
✅ Disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated.
✅ Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
✅ Stay home for at least 5 days after swelling begins.
