Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection best known for causing painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands in front of the ears. It is preventable through routine childhood vaccination.

• Painful swelling of one or both parotid glands, causing puffy cheeks and a swollen, tender jaw area
• Fever
• Headache and muscle aches
• Fatigue and loss of appetite
• Pain when chewing or swallowing

• Caused by the mumps virus, spread through respiratory droplets and saliva, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
• Most contagious in the days just before and after the salivary gland swelling appears.

• Usually diagnosed clinically based on the characteristic parotid gland swelling, particularly during a local outbreak or in an unvaccinated person.
• Laboratory testing (saliva or blood) can confirm the diagnosis where needed, particularly in atypical cases.

There is no specific antiviral treatment; management is supportive with rest, adequate fluids, and paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever.

Warm or cold compresses on the swollen glands can ease discomfort, and soft foods can reduce pain with chewing.

Most people recover fully within one to two weeks.

Severe headache, testicular pain and swelling (in males past puberty), or abdominal pain should be assessed promptly, as mumps can occasionally cause complications such as meningitis, orchitis, or pancreatitis.

• Complete routine mumps-containing vaccination (usually combined as MMR) as part of the childhood immunisation schedule.
• Isolate infected individuals for about five days after gland swelling begins to reduce spread.
• Practise good hand hygiene and avoid sharing utensils or cups with an infected person.