What is mumps?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can cause painful swelling of the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands (between the ear and the jaw). Some people with mumps won't have gland swelling. They may feel like they have a bad cold or the flu instead.

Mumps usually goes away on its own in about 10 days. But in some cases, it can cause complications that affect the testicles (orchitis), the ovaries (oophoritis), the pancreas (pancreatitis), or the brain (meningitis).

The mumps vaccine protects against the infection. This vaccine is part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella [chickenpox]) vaccines. Most children get the vaccine as part of their regular vaccination schedule.

What causes it?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection. It is spread when a person who has it coughs, sneezes, or shares food or drinks. The virus can travel through the air. This means that you can get mumps if you are in close contact with someone who has the virus even if they don't cough or sneeze on you.

You are most likely to spread the virus 1 to 2 days before and 5 days after symptoms start.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling and pain between the ear and the jaw. One or both cheeks may look swollen. It may hurt when you swallow or open your mouth.
• Fever.
• Headache, earache, or sore throat.
• Tiredness, with aching in the muscles and joints.
• Poor appetite and vomiting.

It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to get symptoms after you have been exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period. Some people who are infected with the mumps virus don't have any symptoms.

If you have more serious symptoms, such as a stiff neck or a severe headache, painful testicles, or severe belly pain, contact your doctor right away.

How is it diagnosed?

Mumps is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and a history of exposure to the virus.

The mumps virus can be identified using a swab to get a sample of cells from the inside of a person's cheek. If needed, a blood test can be done to confirm that you have mumps and rule out other infections.

If you think that you or your child has mumps, be sure to call ahead and explain the symptoms before you go to a doctor's office. The office will want to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus.

How is mumps treated?

Most people recover from mumps with rest and care at home. In adults, symptoms may be more severe, and complications are more likely. Some people need treatment in the hospital.

If you or your child has mumps:

• Use an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• Use ice, a cold pack, or a heat pack (whichever feels better) on swollen, painful areas. Put a thin towel under the ice or heat to protect the skin.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Suck on ice chips or flavored ice pops. Eat soft foods that don't require chewing.

Anyone who has mumps should stay out of school, day care, work, and public places until 5 days after the salivary glands first start to swell.

In general, you don't need to separate the sick person from the rest of the family. By the time mumps is diagnosed, most household members have already been exposed.

Why is it important to prevent mumps?

Mumps is an easily spread infection. Outbreaks can occur.

The mumps vaccine protects against the virus. The vaccine is part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella [chickenpox]) vaccines. Most children get the vaccine as part of their regular vaccination schedule.

People who have not had this infection before or have not had the vaccine have the highest risk of getting the virus.