Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands, which are located near your jaw, under your ears. It causes painful swelling and flu-like symptoms. Although mumps is less common today due to the widespread use of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, outbreaks still occur, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. This article provides detailed information about mumps, including its symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention methods.

Symptoms of Mumps

Mumps symptoms typically develop between 16 to 18 days after being exposed to the virus. The illness is divided into two main phases, starting with mild, flu-like symptoms and progressing to more noticeable swelling in the salivary glands.

  • Early Symptoms: The initial phase of mumps symptoms includes:

    • Low-grade fever

    • Loss of appetite

    • Headaches

    • Muscle pain

    • Fatigue

This phase usually lasts a few days before the swelling of the salivary glands begins.

  • Parotitis Symptoms: The most well-known symptom of mumps is the swelling of the parotid salivary glands, which leads to a puffy and swollen appearance in the cheeks and jaw. The swelling can affect one or both sides of the face, making the jaw and ear area appear distorted. This swelling can last from several days up to a week and is typically painful or tender to the touch.

Less common symptoms of mumps can include:

  • Swelling of the testicles (orchitis)

  • Swollen ovaries in females

  • Rash

  • Headache

  • Body aches

  • Loss of appetite

What Causes Mumps?

Mumps is caused by a virus called rubulavirus, which is part of the paramyxovirus family, the same family that causes other illnesses like parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be transmitted by sharing utensils, kissing, or close contact with someone who is infected.

  • How Mumps Spreads:
    Mumps is highly contagious. It can spread through saliva, nasal secretions, and respiratory droplets. The virus can also be contracted from surfaces contaminated with the virus. If you come into contact with an infected person’s saliva or respiratory droplets, there’s a high chance of contracting the virus.

Risk Factors for Mumps

While anyone can contract mumps, certain individuals are more at risk:

  • Unvaccinated Individuals: The primary risk factor for mumps is not being vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.

  • Children and Young Adults: People between the ages of 2 and 12, especially those who have not received the MMR vaccine, are more likely to develop mumps.

  • Weakened Immune Systems: People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to mumps.

  • Pregnant Women: Pregnant individuals who have not been vaccinated are at higher risk of complications from mumps, including preterm labor.

  • Travelers: Those who travel to regions where mumps is more common are at increased risk.

Additionally, people who live in close quarters, such as college students living in dorms, or children in daycare settings, are more likely to contract mumps due to the close contact with others.

Diagnosing Mumps

Diagnosing mumps usually involves a physical exam where a healthcare provider will check for swelling in the cheeks and jaw. A thorough examination will help identify the classic signs of the disease. In addition, your healthcare provider may take a saliva sample or perform blood tests to confirm the presence of the virus.

  • Common Diagnostic Tests:

    • Monospot Test: This test detects the antibodies in the blood that indicate a current or recent infection with the mumps virus.

    • EBV Antibody Test: It can help confirm if the infection is due to the mumps virus.

    • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Elevated white blood cell count can indicate an infection.

    • Throat Swabs: To rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as strep throat, a throat swab may be performed.

Treatment for Mumps

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and manage any complications that may arise. Here are common treatment options for managing mumps:

  • Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.

  • Hydration: Drink fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing a sore throat.

  • Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce fever and alleviate pain. Avoid giving aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

  • Soft Foods: Eat soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt to avoid irritating a sore throat.

  • Compresses: Use warm or cold compresses to help alleviate swelling in the cheeks and jaw.

In more severe cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, particularly in cases where the swelling of the salivary glands is painful or affects breathing.

How to Prevent Mumps

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent mumps. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is highly effective at preventing mumps and its complications. The vaccine is typically administered in two doses:

  • First Dose: Given at 12-15 months of age

  • Second Dose: Given at 4-6 years of age

The MMR vaccine provides lifelong immunity to most people. However, some individuals may need to receive a booster dose if they travel to regions where mumps is still common.

Other preventive measures include:

  • Avoiding Close Contact: If you are sick or suspect you have mumps, avoid close contact with others, especially those who have not been vaccinated.

  • Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.

  • Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Don’t share utensils, cups, or other personal items with others, particularly those who are sick.

Complications of Mumps

While most people recover from mumps without complications, some individuals may experience severe side effects:

  • Orchitis: Swelling of the testicles is common in males who develop mumps after puberty. It can be extremely painful and sometimes cause permanent changes in testicular size.

  • Pancreatitis: Mumps can cause inflammation in the pancreas, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

  • Encephalitis: This is inflammation of the brain that occurs in about 1 in 1,000 cases of mumps. It can cause severe complications such as seizures, confusion, and neurological damage.

  • Hearing Loss: In rare cases, mumps can cause hearing loss, usually in one ear. This is typically permanent and doesn’t improve with treatment.

  • Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to severe headaches, fever, and neck stiffness.

Living with Mumps

Most individuals who contract mumps will recover within 7 to 10 days. However, the recovery process can be uncomfortable due to swelling and pain. To aid recovery, it’s important to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and follow the treatments recommended by your healthcare provider.

If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, or severe headaches, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands, fever, and sore throat. While the disease can be uncomfortable and cause complications, the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection and its complications. It’s essential to practice good hygiene, get vaccinated, and avoid close contact with infected individuals to reduce the spread of mumps. With proper care and prevention, most people recover fully from mumps without any long-term issues.