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Understanding Mumps: What causes it, how to recognise signs and when to seek treatment
24th July, 2026 12:24 PM
Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus family. It mainly affects the salivary glands located below and in front of the ears, causing them to swell and giving the face a puffy appearance.
The illness can affect children, teenagers and adults, although adults are more likely to experience severe symptoms or complications. Vaccination has significantly reduced the number of cases worldwide, but the disease has not been completely eliminated, meaning people who are unvaccinated remain at risk.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that the virus spreads easily through saliva and respiratory droplets, making close contact one of the main ways it is passed from one person to another.
Causes of mumps
Mumps is caused by the mumps virus and spreads from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, talking or sharing items such as cups, utensils and bottles. The virus can also spread when someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth or nose before washing their hands.
The World Health Organization explains that crowded places such as schools, universities and households make it easier for the virus to spread because of close and prolonged contact between people. A person can pass the virus to others even before the swelling becomes noticeable.
Signs and symptoms
The first symptoms of mumps may resemble a common viral illness. Many people experience fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches and loss of appetite before the swelling develops.
Within a few days, swelling usually appears on one or both sides of the face as the salivary glands become inflamed. The swelling may cause pain while chewing, swallowing or drinking acidic beverages such as fruit juice.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some people experience only mild symptoms, while others may have no obvious symptoms at all despite carrying the virus. In some cases, complications such as inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, pancreas or the tissues surrounding the brain can occur, although these are less common.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing mumps usually begins with a physical examination and a review of the patient’s symptoms. The swollen salivary glands often provide an important clue, particularly during an outbreak.
Healthcare providers may recommend laboratory tests using saliva, throat swabs or urine samples to confirm the infection. Blood tests may also be carried out in some cases to help distinguish mumps from other viral illnesses that cause similar symptoms.
The CDC advises that laboratory confirmation is especially important when symptoms are unusual or when public health officials are monitoring possible outbreaks.
Management and treatment
There is currently no specific antiviral medicine that cures mumps. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms while the body’s immune system fights the infection.
Most patients recover at home with adequate rest, plenty of fluids and soft foods that are easier to chew. Pain relievers and fever-reducing medication may also be recommended by healthcare providers to improve comfort. Applying a warm or cold compress to the swollen glands may help reduce pain.
People with mumps are advised to stay away from school, work and crowded places for several days after swelling begins to reduce the risk of infecting others. Good hand hygiene and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing also help limit transmission.
Health experts also encourage parents and caregivers to ensure children receive the recommended measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, as vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease and its complications.
While mumps is usually a self-limiting illness, persistent fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, difficulty hearing or severe abdominal pain should prompt immediate medical attention, as these may signal complications requiring further treatment.
