Mumps
Epidemic parotitis; Viral parotitis; Parotitis
Mumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food and helps you chew and swallow.
Mumps is a viral infection that leads to painful swelling of the parotid glands. The parotid glands are salivary glands located on the sides of your mouth, in front of your ears. Swelling of the parotid glands causes cheeks to puff out, many times on one side more than on the other. Mumps spreads easily by infected saliva. Mumps is preventable by getting vaccinated with the mumps vaccine, usually given in combination as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
There are several pairs of salivary glands in different locations a major pair in front of the ears (parotid glands); two major pairs on the floor of the mouth (sublingual and submaxillary glands); and several minor pairs within the lips, cheeks, and tongue.
Causes
Mumps is caused by a virus. The virus spreads from person to person by drops of moisture from the nose and mouth, such as through sneezing. It is also spread through direct contact with items that have infected saliva on them.
Mumps most often occurs in children ages 2 through 12 who have not been vaccinated against the disease. However, the infection can occur at any age and may also be seen in college age students.
The time between being exposed to the virus and getting sick (incubation period) is about 12 to 25 days.
Mumps may also infect the:
- Central nervous system
- Pancreas
- Testes
Symptoms
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform an exam and ask about your symptoms, especially when they started.
No tests are needed in most cases. Your provider can usually diagnose mumps by looking at your symptoms.
Blood tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for mumps. The following things can be done to relieve symptoms:
- Apply ice or heat packs to the neck area.
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain. Do not give aspirin to children with a viral illness because of the risk for Reye syndrome.
- Drink extra fluid.
- Eat soft foods.
- Gargle with warm salt water.
Outlook (Prognosis)
People with this disease do well most of the time, even if organs other than the salivary glands are involved. After the illness is over (usually in about 7 days), they'll acquire immunity to mumps for the rest of their life.
Possible Complications
Infection of other organs may occur, including testicle swelling (orchitis).
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you or your child has mumps along with:
- Red eyes
- Constant drowsiness
- Constant vomiting or abdominal pain
- Severe headache
- Pain or a lump in testicle
Call 911 or the local emergency number or visit the emergency room if seizures occur.
Prevention
MMR immunization (vaccine) protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It should be given to children at these ages:
- First dose: 12 through 15 months old
- Second dose: 4 through 6 years old
Adults can also receive the vaccine. Talk to your provider about this.
Recent outbreaks of the mumps have supported the importance of having all children vaccinated.
References
Gans HA. Mumps. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 295.
Litman N, Baum SG. Mumps virus. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 157.
Rosen JB, Zucker JR. Mumps. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 340.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 4/17/2024
Reviewed by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
