Mumps: Understand Its Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Badal Shivnarayan Taori , General Medicine

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Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, the glands that produce saliva. The most commonly affected glands are called the parotid glands, located just below and in front of your ears. When infected, these glands become swollen and tender, often causing puffy cheeks and jaw pain.

Mumps spreads easily from person to person, especially in places where people are in close contact, such as schools, colleges, or crowded living spaces. It passes through droplets in the air when someone coughs, sneezes, or shares food or drinks.

Although mumps used to be a very common childhood illness, the number of cases has decreased significantly due to the MMR vaccine (which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella). However, outbreaks still occur, particularly among people who are unvaccinated or have not received both doses of the vaccine.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. The infection usually goes away on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms like fever, pain, and swelling. Most people recover fully, but in some cases, mumps can lead to serious complications such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), testicles (orchitis), or ovaries (oophoritis).

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What Is Mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, especially in close contact. It's caused by the mumps virus, part of the paramyxovirus family. The virus travels through tiny droplets in the air, released when an infected person talks, coughs, sneezes, or shares things like cups or utensils. 

Once inside the body, it often targets the salivary glands, leading to the hallmark swelling near the cheeks and jaw.

The illness often begins with general symptoms like:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

After a day or two, the most noticeable symptom that appears is painful swelling on one or both sides of the face near the jaw. This happens due to inflammation of the parotid glands and gives the person a distinct "chipmunk-cheek" or "swollen cheeks" appearance.

While most people with mumps recover without serious problems, the infection can sometimes affect other parts of the body. In rare cases, mumps can lead to:

• Meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues)
• Hearing loss
• Swollen testicles in males (which can rarely lead to infertility)
• Swollen ovaries or breasts in females

Mumps can affect people of any age, but it's most common in children, teens, and young adults who haven't been fully vaccinated.

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What Are the Mumps Symptoms?

Mumps is a viral infection that affects the salivary glands, and its symptoms can range from very mild to more noticeable and uncomfortable. In fact, some people, especially children, may not show any signs at all. But even without symptoms, they can still spread the virus to others.

The signs of mumps usually appear about 16 to 18 days after exposure, though they can start as early as 7 days or as late as 25 days.

Early Mumps Symptoms

At first, mumps symptoms can feel similar to having the flu. These early symptoms often include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches or body pain
• Feeling tired or low energy
• Loss of appetite (not feeling hungry)

These general signs may last for a few days before more specific symptoms appear.

Common Symptoms: Swollen Salivary Glands

After the early flu-like symptoms, the most common and recognizable sign of mumps appears:

Swelling and pain in the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands, which are located just below and in front of your ears.

This causes the cheeks and jaw to puff up, often on both sides of the face, but sometimes just one. This puffiness gives the typical "chipmunk cheeks" look.

The swollen glands may feel:

• Tender to the touch
• Warm and tight
• Painful when chewing, swallowing, or talking

This swelling, called parotitis, happens in more than 70% of people who get mumps.

Mumps Symptoms in Children

Mumps symptoms in children are often milder than in adults, and in many cases, children may not show symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do appear, they often include:

• Low fever
• Swelling on one or both sides of the jaw
• Pain when chewing or swallowing
• Tiredness or fussiness
• Ear pain or pressure around the ears
• Reduced appetite

Some children may have trouble talking or chewing due to pain in the jaw or swollen glands.

Even though children may recover quickly, it's still important to monitor their symptoms and help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Symptoms of Mumps in Adults (Especially Females)

While mumps is more common in children, adults can still get infected, especially if they haven't received the full MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. In general, mumps symptoms in adults are more intense and last longer than in children.

Common symptoms in adult females include:

• High fever and body aches
• Painful swelling of the salivary glands
• Headache and fatigue
• Jaw stiffness or pain when moving the mouth
• Pain in the abdomen or lower stomach area if the ovaries are affected (this is known as oophoritis)
• Breast tenderness in some cases

Although complications are rare, symptoms in adults, especially women, can be uncomfortable and last longer.

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What are the Common Causes of Mumps?

Mumps is caused by a virus known as the mumps virus, which belongs to a group of viruses called paramyxoviruses. This virus is highly contagious and spreads easily from one person to another, especially in places where people are in close contact, like schools, colleges, camps, or dormitories.

How Does Mumps Spread?

The virus lives in the saliva and mucus of an infected person. It spreads through tiny droplets in the air or direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The mumps virus spreads from person to person through:

• Breathing in droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks
• Sharing food, drinks, or utensils (like cups, water bottles, or spoons)
• Kissing or close face-to-face contact
• Touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something contaminated with the virus (like doorknobs, toys, or phones)

In fact, people with mumps are most contagious before they even show signs of swelling, and can continue to spread the virus for up to five days after the swelling starts.

What Causes Mumps in Adults?

While mumps is more common in children, adults can still get infected, especially if they didn’t receive the full MMR vaccine as a child. What causes mumps in adults is the same virus that affects children, but symptoms in adults tend to be more severe. Adults may also experience additional complications, such as swelling in other parts of the body, like the testicles or ovaries.

Causes of Mumps in Children

The causes of mumps in a child are no different from those in adults; it's the same mumps virus. However, children often get exposed in schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, or other group settings. Children who are not fully vaccinated are more likely to catch the virus and pass it to others, even if their own symptoms are mild.

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How is Mumps Diagnosed?

Diagnosing mumps usually begins with a visit to a healthcare provider. The doctor will ask about symptoms, review your medical history, and do a physical exam. One of the most common signs they look for is swelling in the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands, which are found just in front of your ears on both sides of the face.

While many cases are diagnosed based on physical signs and symptoms alone. But if the signs aren't clear or similar to other illnesses, doctors may recommend lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Here are the most common diagnostic tests for mumps:

Saliva or Throat Swab (PCR Test)

A soft swab is used to collect a sample from the inside of the cheek or throat. This test detects the genetic material (RNA) of the mumps virus. It’s one of the most accurate ways to confirm the infection, especially if done in the first few days after symptoms begin.

Blood Test

A blood sample can help identify antibodies that your immune system produces in response to the virus. This includes:

• IgM antibodies, which appear shortly after infection and suggest a recent or active case of mumps
• IgG antibodies, which indicate past infection or immunity from vaccination

Blood tests may also help rule out other causes of salivary gland swelling, such as different viral infections.

Urine Test

In some cases, a sample of urine may be tested to detect the mumps virus. Although not as commonly used as saliva or blood tests, urine tests can provide additional confirmation, especially during outbreaks.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Test (in rare cases)

If there are symptoms of complications, like severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, or light sensitivity, a doctor may recommend a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). This test checks for mumps-related complications such as viral meningitis or encephalitis.

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What is the Treatment for Mumps?

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. Since it’s caused by a virus, mumps usually needs to run its course, and most people recover fully within one to two weeks. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and keeping the patient as comfortable as possible during recovery.

How to Manage Mumps at Home

Most people with mumps can recover at home with simple care and rest. Here are helpful ways to manage symptoms:

Get Plenty of Rest

Your body needs energy to fight the virus, so encourage extra sleep and low activity levels during recovery.

Drink Fluids

Stay hydrated by drinking water, clear soups, or electrolyte drinks. This helps prevent dehydration, especially if a fever is present.

Eat Soft Foods

Chewing can be painful due to swollen glands. Offer soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, or oatmeal. Avoid acidic foods (like citrus fruits) that can increase saliva and worsen pain.

Soothe Swelling

• Apply a warm or cold compress (like a soft towel or ice pack) to swollen salivary glands to reduce pain.
• For males with swollen testicles, a cold pack and supportive underwear can help relieve discomfort.

Ease Pain and Fever

Use over-the-counter medications like:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Note: Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers, as it can lead to a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Gargle or Soothe the Throat

• Gargle warm salt water to reduce throat irritation.
• Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or lozenges for sore throat relief.

Avoid Spreading the Infection

Mumps is highly contagious, especially in the first few days after swelling appears. To prevent passing the virus to others:

• Isolate yourself or your child for at least 5 days after salivary gland swelling begins
• Avoid school, work, or public gatherings during this time
• Practice good hygiene, such as covering the mouth when coughing and frequent handwashing

While there is no specific "best antibiotic for mumps," if complications like orchitis (swelling of the testicles) or meningitis occur, hospital care or additional treatments may be required.

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When to see a doctor?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands, which are located near your ears. It often causes swelling in the cheeks and jaw, along with fever and pain.

You should see a doctor if you notice:

• Swelling or pain in one or both sides of your face or jaw
• Fever, headache, or muscle aches
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or opening your mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness or body aches
• Pain or swelling in the testicles (in males)
• Symptoms lasting more than a few days or getting worse

Important: Mumps can sometimes lead to complications like meningitis, hearing loss, or inflammation in the pancreas or reproductive organs. If you or your child has mumps-like symptoms, especially with a high fever or unusual pain, seek medical attention right away.

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Prevention of Mumps Disease

Mumps prevention is highly effective thanks to widespread vaccination. While the disease is much less common today than in the past, outbreaks still occur, especially in places where people live, learn, or work closely together, such as schools, colleges, and dormitories. Taking the right preventive steps can significantly reduce your risk.

Get the MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It’s the best way to prevent mumps.

When should children get the vaccine?

• First dose: Between 12 and 15 months of age
• Second dose: Between 4 and 6 years (before starting school)

If someone missed a dose, they can still get vaccinated later. Adults and teens can get a catch-up shot, especially before starting college, travelling, or during an outbreak. In some cases, a third dose is recommended to boost protection.

Avoid Close Contact During an Outbreak

Mumps spreads through saliva and droplets from coughs or sneezes. During an outbreak or if someone is infected:

• Stay away from crowded places
• Avoid kissing, hugging, or sharing food and drinks
• Stay home for at least 5 days after gland swelling starts

Follow Good Hygiene Habits

These everyday habits can help prevent the spread of the virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Don’t share cups, utensils, or water bottles
• Clean surfaces touched often, like toys and doorknobs

Who Should Consider MMR Vaccination?

You may need the MMR vaccine or a booster if you are:

• A college student
• A healthcare worker
• An international traveller
• Living in close quarters, such as military housing or dormitories
• Unsure of your vaccination history

If you're not sure whether you're immune, your doctor can do a simple blood test to check for antibodies to the mumps virus.

Who Should Avoid the MMR Vaccine?

Some people should not receive the MMR vaccine, including:

• Pregnant individuals
• People with severe allergic reactions to any vaccine ingredient
• Those with weakened immune systems, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider

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Mumps Complications

While mumps is usually a mild illness, especially in children, it can sometimes cause serious complications, particularly in teens, adults, and people who aren't vaccinated. Most complications are rare, but it’s important to know what to watch for.

Orchitis (Swollen Testicles)

• Affects teenage boys and adult men
• Causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in one or both testicles
• Can lead to a decrease in testicle size and, in rare cases, reduced fertility
• Usually appears about a week after other symptoms start

Oophoritis and Mastitis (Swollen Ovaries or Breasts)

• It can affect adolescent girls and adult women
• Oophoritis: swelling of the ovaries, may cause abdominal pain, nausea, or fever
• Mastitis: swelling of breast tissue, can be painful but usually goes away with care
• These don’t usually affect fertility

Meningitis and Encephalitis (Brain-Related Complications)

• Meningitis: Inflammation of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord
• Symptoms: headache, stiff neck, fever, light sensitivity
• Encephalitis: Swelling inside the brain
• Symptoms: confusion, seizures, drowsiness
• These are rare but can lead to long-term damage or be life-threatening if untreated.

Hearing Loss

• Temporary or, in rare cases, permanent hearing loss
• It can affect one or both ears
• May occur suddenly during or after the infection

Pancreatitis (Swollen Pancreas)

• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Symptoms: upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, tenderness
• Usually mild and short-term, but needs monitoring

Mumps During Pregnancy

• Getting mumps during early pregnancy (first trimester) may slightly increase the risk of Miscarriage, Premature birth and low birth weight
• Mumps does not appear to cause birth defects, but it's best to avoid infection during pregnancy

Other Possible Complications

Though very uncommon, mumps may also lead to:

• Arthritis (joint inflammation)
• Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid)
• Myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation)
• Kidney inflammation

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Dos and Don'ts

It’s normal for parents to feel worried after a mumps diagnosis. Mumps can cause pain and discomfort in both children and adults. The good news is that in most cases, it goes away on its own within 10 to 12 days. You just need to let the body rest and recover.

Catching mumps early and starting care right away can help reduce symptoms and prevent serious issues. Some people may feel very tired or weak during this time, which is completely normal.

To stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. For pain and swelling, gently apply a warm or cold compress to the swollen area.

You can also take non-aspirin pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to feel more comfortable while you heal.

By following the dos and don'ts for mumps disease, it is easy to control the symptoms and avoid complications. Take care of yourself, sleep well, and rest to recover faster.

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Our Experience Treating Mumps at Medicover

At Medicover, we treat mumps with the care and attention it deserves. Our experienced doctors provide quick and accurate diagnosis along with effective treatment to ease your symptoms and help you recover fully. We also focus on stopping the virus from spreading to others and preventing any complications.

Our care includes:

• Thorough examination and lab testing to confirm the infection
• Rest and symptom management, including pain relievers and fever reducers
• Hydration support to help you feel better while your body fights the virus
• Advice on home care and preventing the spread to others in your family or community
• Follow-up care to check for rare complications such as orchitis (testicle inflammation), meningitis, or hearing problems

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from mumps, especially with the MMR vaccine, which guards against measles, mumps, and rubella. It's proven to be highly effective for both children and adults.

At Medicover, we're committed to being by your side every step of the way, offering expert care, clear guidance, and genuine support from diagnosis to full recovery.

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Citations

Overview - Mumps