Mumps
Key points
- Mumps is an acute, contagious, viral disease that causes painful enlargement of the salivary or parotid glands.
- The mumps are caused by a virus which is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets or direct contact with articles that have been contaminated with infected saliva.
- Signs and tests A physical examination confirms the presence of the swollen glands.
- Symptoms may be relieved by the application of intermittent ice or heat to the affected neck area and/or acetaminophen for pain relief (do not give aspirin to children with a viral illness because of the risk of Reye's syndrome).
Alternative names
Epidemic parotitis
Definition
Mumps is an acute, contagious, viral disease that causes painful enlargement of the salivary or parotid glands.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The mumps are caused by a virus which is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets or direct contact with articles that have been contaminated with infected saliva.
The parotid glands (the salivary glands between the ear and the jaw) are often swollen. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 2 and 12 are most commonly infected, but the infection can occur in other age groups.
Other organs may be involved, including the testes, the central nervous system, and the pancreas. The incubation period is usually 12 to 24 days.
Symptoms
- face pain
- swelling of the parotid glands
- fever
- headache
- sore throat
- swelling of the temples or jaw (temporomandibular area)
Additional symptoms in males that may be associated with this disease:
- testicle pain
- testicle lump
- scrotal swelling
Signs and tests
A physical examination confirms the presence of the swollen glands. No testing is usually required.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for mumps. Symptoms may be relieved by the application of intermittent ice or heat to the affected neck area and/or acetaminophen for pain relief (do not give aspirin to children with a viral illness because of the risk of Reye's syndrome). Warm salt water gargles, soft foods, and extra fluids may also help relieve symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis)
The probable outcome is good, even if other organs are involved. After the illness, life-long immunity to mumps occurs.
Complications
- infection of other organ systems
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you or your child has mumps and severe headache, persistent drowsiness, eye redness, or persistent vomiting or abdominal pain develops.
Frequently asked questions
What is mumps?
Mumps is an acute, contagious, viral disease that causes painful enlargement of the salivary or parotid glands.
What are the risk factors for mumps?
The mumps are caused by a virus which is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets or direct contact with articles that have been contaminated with infected saliva. The parotid glands (the salivary glands between the ear and the jaw) are often swollen. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 2 and 12 are most commonly infected, but the infection can occur in other age groups. Other organs may be involved, including the testes, the central nervous system, and the pancreas. The incubation period is usually 12 to 24 days.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
- face pain
- swelling of the parotid glands
- fever
- headache
- sore throat
- swelling of the temples or jaw (temporomandibular area) Additional symptoms in males that may be associated with this disease:
- testicle pain
- testicle lump
- scrotal swelling Signs and tests A physical examination confirms the presence of the swollen glands. No testing is usually required.
How is mumps treated?
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.