What is Mumps?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which primarily affects the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands located near the ears. This causes swelling and pain in these glands, leading to the characteristic “chipmunk cheeks” appearance.
Symptoms of Mumps
Symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 days after exposure and can include:
- Swelling and pain in one or both parotid glands (just in front of and below the ears)
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Pain while chewing or swallowing
Some people infected with mumps may have very mild symptoms or none at all but can still spread the virus.
How is Mumps Spread?
Mumps spreads through respiratory droplets from:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact (like sharing cups or utensils)
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face
The virus is contagious from about 3 days before to 5 days after the swelling begins.
Complications of Mumps
Though many recover without problems, mumps can sometimes cause serious complications, such as:
- Orchitis (swelling of the testicles) in males, which can lead to pain and, rarely, infertility
- Oophoritis (swelling of the ovaries) in females
- Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation) – very rare but serious
- Hearing loss – usually temporary, rarely permanent
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Diagnosis
Mumps is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, especially the swollen salivary glands, and can be confirmed by laboratory tests such as:
- Detecting mumps virus RNA from a throat or saliva swab
- Blood tests showing antibodies against the mumps virus
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. Management focuses on:
- Relieving symptoms: Painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain
- Rest and hydration
- Applying warm or cold compresses to swollen glands for comfort
- Avoiding acidic foods that can irritate the swollen glands
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent mumps is through vaccination with the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella). The vaccine is safe and typically given in two doses during childhood.
Additional preventive steps include:
- Practicing good hygiene (covering coughs, sneezing into the elbow)
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
- Isolating infected people for at least 5 days after swelling begins