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Mumps

Condition Overview:

Mumps is an acute viral disease that is spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. People who have mumps may spread the infection to others, even when they do not have any symptoms or their illness is mild.

There is a vaccine to protect against mumps. The vaccine is frequently given to adults as part of a combination vaccine, called the MMR vaccine, that protects against measles, mumps and rubella. There is also a vaccine that protects only against mumps.

The symptoms of mumps include a low-grade fever and swelling or tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands in the cheeks and under the jaw. Symptoms usually appear between 12 and 25 days after a person has been exposed to the virus. However, about one-third of infected people do not have symptoms.

Mumps is caused by a virus known as a myxo virus. It is transmitted mainly by infected saliva although the urine also contains virus particles. The saliva is infectious for approximately six days prior to the onset of swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks (the parotid glands). The individual may be infectious for up to two weeks after the onset of swelling of the glands, but the peak period of infectivity is from a day or two before the onset of the swelling until very shortly after the swelling begins.

Diagnosis is usually based on the swelling of the salivary glands in both cheeks (the parotid glands). Various laboratory tests may help with the diagnosis but are usually unnecessary.

Usually all that is required is treatment of the symptoms, with paracetamol, regular rinsing of the mouth, and plenty to drink. You should let your doctor know that the child has mumps, but unless unexpected problems arise, your doctor will not necessarily need to see your child.

If an adult develops mumps they should consult the doctor, especially if a male with swollen, painful testicles (orchitis). In these cases cool compresses can be helpful.