Mumps

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands. These glands sit on the sides of your face, just below and in front of your ears. When infected, they swell up and become painful, creating the characteristic puffy cheek appearance.

The mumps virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through direct contact with saliva or contaminated surfaces. Most people recover fully within two weeks, but mumps can sometimes lead to serious complications.

Vaccination has dramatically reduced mumps cases in the United States. The MMR vaccine protects against mumps, measles, and rubella. Before the vaccine became available in 1967, mumps infected about 186,000 people each year in the US. Today, outbreaks are rare but can still occur, especially in crowded settings like college campuses.

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Symptoms

Swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of the face
Fever, typically between 101 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit
Headache and muscle aches
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
Pain while chewing or swallowing
Difficulty eating or drinking
Dry mouth

Some people with mumps have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, they can still spread the virus to others. Symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12 to 25 days.

Causes and risk factors

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, a member of the paramyxovirus family. The virus spreads easily from person to person through saliva and respiratory secretions. You can catch mumps by breathing in droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze. You can also get infected by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

People who are not vaccinated face the highest risk of mumps infection. Crowded living conditions, such as dormitories or military barracks, increase transmission risk. International travelers who visit countries where mumps is more common may also be exposed. A person with mumps can spread the virus from two days before symptoms start until five days after the swelling begins. Close contact with infected individuals during this period significantly raises your infection risk.

How it's diagnosed

Doctors diagnose mumps based on symptoms and physical examination. The swollen salivary glands are usually distinctive enough to suggest mumps. However, blood tests can confirm the diagnosis and check your immunity status.

Blood testing can detect mumps antibodies that indicate current infection or past immunity. Amylase levels may be elevated during active mumps infection due to salivary gland inflammation. Mumps virus antibody testing can show whether you have immunity from vaccination or previous infection. Rite Aid offers add-on testing for mumps markers at Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. These tests help determine infection status and immunity levels.

Treatment options

Rest at home to help your body fight the infection
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Apply warm or cold compresses to swollen glands for pain relief
Eat soft foods that require minimal chewing
Avoid acidic foods and beverages that increase saliva production
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain
Isolate yourself for five days after symptoms begin to prevent spreading the virus
See a doctor immediately if you develop severe headache, stiff neck, abdominal pain, or testicular pain

No specific antiviral medication exists to treat mumps. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms while your immune system clears the infection. Most people recover completely within two weeks without complications.

Frequently asked questions

Mumps is highly contagious and spreads easily through respiratory droplets and saliva. An infected person can transmit the virus from two days before symptoms appear until five days after swelling begins. Close contact with infected individuals in schools, dormitories, or households creates the highest transmission risk.

Yes, but it is uncommon. The MMR vaccine is about 88 percent effective after two doses. Some vaccinated people may still get mumps, but their symptoms are typically milder than in unvaccinated individuals. Immunity can also decrease over time, which is why outbreaks sometimes occur in older teens and young adults.

Mumps can lead to several serious complications, though they are relatively rare. These include meningitis, encephalitis, hearing loss, inflammation of the testicles in males, inflammation of the ovaries in females, and pancreatitis. Pregnant women who get mumps may have an increased risk of miscarriage.

Immunity from the MMR vaccine typically lasts for many years, though it may gradually decrease over time. Natural immunity from having mumps infection usually provides lifelong protection. Blood tests can check your mumps antibody levels to determine if you still have immunity or need a booster.

See a doctor if you suspect mumps, especially if you develop severe symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention for high fever over 103 degrees, severe headache with stiff neck, confusion, severe abdominal pain, or testicular swelling and pain. These symptoms may indicate serious complications that require prompt treatment.

Mumps specifically causes swelling of the parotid glands, the salivary glands located in front of and below the ears. This creates a distinctive chipmunk-like appearance. Other infections may cause lymph node swelling in the neck, but they typically do not affect the salivary glands in the same way.

Yes, adults who are not vaccinated or who lost immunity can get mumps. Adults often experience more severe symptoms and higher complication rates than children. Men who get mumps after puberty face a 20 to 30 percent risk of testicular inflammation, which rarely affects fertility.

Stay home and avoid contact with others for at least five days after your glands begin to swell. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Do not share eating utensils, cups, or personal items with others.

Blood tests can measure mumps antibodies to confirm infection or check immunity status. Amylase levels may be elevated during active infection due to inflamed salivary glands. IgM antibodies indicate recent infection, while IgG antibodies show past infection or vaccination immunity.

No specific cure or antiviral medication exists for mumps. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications while your immune system fights the virus. Most people recover completely within two weeks with supportive care like rest, fluids, and pain management.