Mumps

Overview

Mumps is a contagious viral illness which mainly affects the salivary glands. These are the glands that help produce saliva that are located near the jaw and ears. When someone has mumps, these glands can swell up, causing pain and making the face look puffy on one or both sides.

The virus spreads easily, mainly from tiny droplets that come from the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. It can also spread by touching things that have the virus on them or by coming into contact with someone's saliva. 

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Mumps is a viral infection with symptoms appearing 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. It often causes puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw due to inflamed salivary glands. Early signs include fever and headache. Puberty-aged males may have swelling in their testicles.

While usually mild, mumps can cause serious complications like meningitis, encephalitis, and hearing loss.

Diagnosis involves symptom review, exposure history, and lab tests.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment. Most people with mumps will recover fully within two weeks with bed rest and support for their symptoms.

If you think you or someone in your family has mumps, contact your doctor right away. 

Prevention

The best way to protect yourself from mumps is by getting the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Two doses of the mumps vaccine are needed for the best protection. 

For children, the two MMR vaccines should be separated by 4 weeks. 

To prevent spreading the virus, limit contact with others for up to 5 days after the swelling starts. Stay home from school, work, and avoid social events. A person with mumps can spread the virus a few days before their glands swell and for up to 5 days after the swelling starts.

Reporting

Mumps is a reportable condition. Reports must be made within two working days of being suspected or diagnosed.

Resources