Mumps — parotid gland infection
Mumps is a viral infection (mumps paramyxovirus) causing painful swelling of the salotid glands — the parotid glands in front of and below the ears — producing the classic “hamster cheeks” appearance.
Before MMR vaccination, mumps was universal in childhood; now outbreaks cluster in universities and communities with incomplete vaccination.
Symptoms
Classic:
- painful swollen parotid gland(s) — unilateral or bilateral
- pain chewing and swallowing
- trismus — difficulty opening mouth
- low-grade fever
- headache, myalgia
Prodrome: non-specific illness 1 to 2 days before swelling.
Other salivary glands occasionally involved — submandibular.
Spread and contagiousness
Saliva-borne:
- coughing, sneezing
- kissing
- sharing utensils, drinks
Incubation: 16 to 18 days (range 12 to 25).
Infectious: 5 days before parotid swelling to 5 days after swelling starts.
Isolation: 5 days from swelling onset — school/work exclusion.
Complications
| Complication | Who affected |
|---|---|
| Orchitis | Post-puberty males — ~20 to 30% — painful testicular swelling — usually one side |
| Oophoritis | Post-puberty females — rare |
| Aseptic meningitis | More common than other viruses — usually full recovery |
| Encephalitis | Rare |
| Pancreatitis | Abdominal pain, vomiting |
| Deafness | Usually unilateral — rare permanent |
Orchitis and fertility: bilateral orchitis may reduce sperm count temporarily — permanent infertility uncommon.
Diagnosis
Clinical — swollen parotid with compatible illness in outbreak context.
Lab confirmation — oral fluid swab, serology — public health notification.
Exclude:
- salivary gland stones
- ** bacterial parotitis** — purulent, elderly dehydrated
- HIV parotitis
- ** lymphoma**
Treatment
Supportive only:
- paracetamol/ibuprofen
- fluids — soft diet if chewing painful
- cold compresses
- rest
No role for antibiotics — virus.
Hospital if meningitis, severe pancreatitis, or unable to eat/drink.
MMR prevention
Same vaccine as measles — see measles guide:
- 12 months, 3 years 4 months
Post-exposure: MMR within 3 days may prevent or modify disease in susceptible contacts.
Mumps vs glandular fever
Both cause facial swelling and fever:
| Mumps | Glandular fever | |
|---|---|---|
| Site | Parotid — front of ear | Cervical nodes, throat |
| Throat | Less prominent | Severe sore throat common |
| Age | Children/young adults | Teens/young adults |
See glandular fever guide.
Mumps is usually self-limiting but orchitis and meningitis justify MMR vaccination and isolation during outbreaks.
Common questions about mumps
- What are the symptoms of mumps?
- Painful swelling of parotid gland(s) — puffy face below ears, difficulty opening mouth, pain chewing, fever, headache, joint pain. Often preceded by non-specific illness. One or both sides affected — not always bilateral.
- How long does mumps last?
- Swelling usually peaks in 2 to 3 days, resolves over 1 to 2 weeks. Contagious from about 5 days before swelling until 5 days after swelling starts — total isolation period 5 days minimum from gland swelling onset.
- Can mumps make you infertile?
- Orchitis (testicle inflammation) in post-puberty males is painful and common in mumps — bilateral orchitis rarely may affect fertility; most men retain normal fertility. No proven link to female infertility from mumps oophoritis (rare).
- Is there a treatment for mumps?
- No specific antiviral — supportive care with paracetamol or ibuprofen, fluids, soft foods, rest. Cold compress on swollen glands. Antibiotics do not work — viral infection.
- Does MMR vaccine prevent mumps?
- Two MMR doses give about 88% protection against mumps — not perfect — outbreaks occur in vaccinated communities but milder disease. Same vaccine as measles and rubella — see measles guide for schedule.
Sources
How we reviewed this page
Medically reviewed by the HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel
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