Mumps

What is mumps?

Mumps is an acute (sudden) disease caused by a virus called paramyxovirus. It causes swelling of the parotid glands, which produce saliva. These glands are in front of and below each ear, and near the line of the lower jaw.

Mumps is caused by a virus. It causes swelling of saliva-producing glands. Mumps spreads through the air from person to person. Sometimes there are no symptoms or swelling

Mumps spreads easily

Mumps spreads through the air from person to person, by coughing, sneezing, or simply talking. Mumps can also spread by touch. Your child may catch the virus by touching a surface covered with infected droplets and then touching her eyes, mouth, or face.

Mumps is very contagious (it spreads easily) from one to two days before the glands start to swell until 5 days after they start to swell. Your child will need to be isolated. Keep your child away from others, especially from babies and younger children, until she is no longer infectious.

Protection with mumps vaccine

Because of vaccination programs, mumps is rare in childhood in developed countries. Children are given the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine when they are between 12 and 15 months old. After that, they are given a booster shot of the vaccine either at 18 months or between four and five years of age. Most cases occur in people who have not been vaccinated at all or did not receive the booster shot.

Signs and symptoms of mumps

One in five children with mumps has no symptoms. One in three children will have no swelling. Here are some symptoms you can look out for:

• swelling of one or more of the salivary glands in the mouth
• swelling of one or both of the parotid glands in front of the ear and crossing the corner of the jaw
• cough or runny nose
• headache, malaise, and a low-grade fever
• lung infection without swelling

Only a doctor can make a mumps diagnosis.

Complications of mumps

Mumps is usually mild in children. Adults may have a more serious disease but children can still have complications. These may include:

• Swollen testicles (orchitis) which may involve pain, swelling, tenderness, nausea, vomiting, and fever. This pain can last weeks. Orchitis is more common after puberty.
• Some children and adults can develop inflammation of the joints, thyroid gland, breast(s), brain, or kidneys. This is rare.
• Mumps can lead to damage of the central nervous system. This may mean meningitis, problems with coordination of movement (cerebellar ataxia), or deafness in one or both ears. Deafness is the most likely complication in children with mumps.

Risk factors for mumps

Children who have not had the MMR vaccine are more likely to catch mumps.

What doctors can do for mumps

Mumps is diagnosed by a physical exam of your child. The doctor may also order a blood test or viral swabs from the nose or throat.

Taking care of your child with mumps at home

There is no specific treatment for mumps. You can support your child by trying to make her comfortable.

Monitor and treat the fever

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, or other brands) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, or other brands) can be used to treat the fever or any pain. DO NOT give your child ASA (acetylsalicylic acid or Aspirin).

Fluids

Offer your child water or other fluids often to maintain hydration.

Bed rest and isolate your child

Your child cannot go to school or day care for five days after the start of the gland swelling. The Public Health Department will be told about your child’s mumps and will follow up with you.

When to get medical assistance

Call your child’s regular doctor if:

• Your child’s fever lasts for longer than three days.
• The swelling lasts for longer than seven days. In many cases, the other side of the face will swell within a few days of the first side.
• The swelling becomes more and more painful.

Take your child to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911 if:

• Your child shows a change in behaviour or physical abilities, or has a seizure.
• You cannot control your child’s pain with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• The swelling is very painful.

Preventing mumps

Your child should be immunized with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. This may be done at:

• 12 months and 18 months, OR
• 15 months and 4 to 6 years

For more information about when vaccines should be given, see "Immunization Schedule."

Key points

• Mumps is an infection caused by a virus. It is usually mild in children.
• Since mumps is very contagious. Keep your child away from others.
• Swelling of the glands in the neck and lower face are common symptoms.
• Mumps can be prevented with a vaccine.