Introduction

Mumps is a contagious viral infection primarily affecting the salivary glands located near the ears. It is caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxovirus family, and spreads easily from person to person.¹ Although anyone can contract mumps, it is most commonly seen in children and adolescents who have not been vaccinated.

Understanding mumps is essential because of its highly infectious nature and the potential for serious complications. The infection typically begins with non-specific symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. These early signs are often followed by the characteristic swelling of the salivary glands, causing noticeable puffiness in the cheeks and jaw. This swelling can make chewing and swallowing painful, significantly impacting daily activities.

Without proper vaccination and awareness, mumps can spread rapidly within communities, leading to outbreaks. The purpose of this discussion is to shed light on the causes and symptoms of mumps, offering valuable information for prevention and early recognition of the disease. By grasping the basics of how mumps spreads and manifests, individuals can take appropriate steps to protect themselves and others from this potentially severe illness.

Causes of mumps

Aetiology

Paramyxovirus

The mumps virus causes mumps, a member of the Paramyxovirus family.² This virus is known for its ability to infect the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located near the ears. Once the virus enters the body, it travels through the bloodstream to various tissues, including the salivary glands, causing inflammation and swelling.

Mode of transmission

The mumps virus spreads easily from person to person through two primary modes of transmission: respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected surfaces.

Respiratory droplets

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release tiny droplets into the air that contain the virus. These droplets can be inhaled by people nearby, allowing the virus to enter their respiratory tract and begin its infectious process.³ This is the most common way mumps spreads, particularly in close-contact settings such as schools and households.

Direct contact with infected surfaces

The mumps virus can also spread through direct contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus. For example, if an infected person touches their mouth or nose and then touches a surface, the virus can be transferred to that surface. When another person touches the contaminated surface and then touches their face, they can become infected. This mode of transmission underscores the importance of good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing.

Risk factors

Several factors increase the risk of contracting mumps, making certain populations more vulnerable to the virus.

Age group (common in children)

Mumps is most commonly seen in children, particularly those between the ages of 5 and 15.⁴ This age group is often in close contact with others in schools and playgrounds, facilitating the spread of the virus. However, mumps can affect individuals of any age, especially those who have not been vaccinated.

Lack of vaccination

One of the most significant risk factors for mumps is the lack of vaccination. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective in preventing mumps. Individuals who have not received the full course of the MMR vaccine are at a much higher risk of contracting the virus.⁵ Vaccination not only protects the individual but also helps prevent outbreaks in the community.

Exposure to infected individuals

Being close to someone who has mumps significantly increases the risk of infection. This is particularly true in environments where people are in close contact, such as schools, dormitories, and households. Outbreaks can occur in these settings if one infected person spreads the virus to others who are unvaccinated or have not yet developed immunity.

Symptoms of mumps

Early symptoms

The initial symptoms of mumps are often non-specific and can be mistaken for other common illnesses.⁶ These early signs usually appear about two to three weeks after exposure to the virus.

Fever

One of the first symptoms is a fever, which is the body's natural response to infection. The fever associated with mumps can range from mild to moderate.

Headache

Headaches are common and can be persistent, contributing to the general feeling of malaise.

Muscle aches

Muscle aches, or myalgia, are another early symptom. These can affect various parts of the body, adding to the overall discomfort.

Fatigue

Fatigue and a general sense of tiredness are typical, making it difficult for individuals to carry out their usual activities.

Loss of appetite

A noticeable loss of appetite often accompanies these symptoms, as the body focuses its energy on fighting the infection.

Classic symptoms

As the infection progresses, more specific symptoms develop, making mumps easier to identify.

Swollen, painful salivary glands (parotitis)

The hallmark symptom of mumps is parotitis, or the swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located near the ears.² This swelling can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the face, leading to the characteristic "hamster face" appearance.

Pain while chewing or swallowing

The swollen glands can cause significant pain when chewing or swallowing, making eating and drinking uncomfortable.

Additional symptoms

In addition to the classic symptoms, individuals with mumps may experience a range of other symptoms.

Earache

Pain in the ears is common due to the proximity of the swollen glands to the ear canal.

Sore throat

A sore throat can develop as a result of the infection spreading in the throat area.

Difficulty speaking

Swelling and pain can also lead to difficulty speaking, as the movement of the jaw becomes painful.

Complications (severe symptoms)

While many cases of mumps resolve without serious issues, complications can occur, particularly in adolescents and adults.

Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles)

In post-pubertal males, mumps can cause orchitis, an inflammation of the testicles, which can be extremely painful and, in rare cases, lead to infertility.⁷

Oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries)

Females can develop oophoritis, an inflammation of the ovaries, although this is less common than orchitis.⁸

Meningitis

Mumps can lead to viral meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, causing severe headaches, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.

Encephalitis

Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, is a rare but serious complication that can result in neurological symptoms and requires immediate medical attention.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, can also occur, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Hearing loss

In some cases, mumps can cause hearing loss, typically in one ear, due to the virus affecting the auditory nerve.

FAQs

What are the causes of mumps?

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxovirus family. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

What are the 5 symptoms of mumps?

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen, painful salivary glands (parotitis)
• Pain while chewing or swallowing

Can I take a bath if I have mumps?

Yes, you can take a bath if you have mumps. Maintaining personal hygiene is important and can help you feel more comfortable.

How are mumps transmitted?

Mumps is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, and by direct contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus.

Who is most at risk for mumps?

Individuals most at risk for mumps include children aged 5-15, those who are unvaccinated, and people in close contact with someone infected with mumps.

Who is immune to mumps?

Individuals who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine or those who have previously had mumps are generally immune to the virus.

Can I get mumps twice?

It is rare to get mumps twice, as infection usually provides lifelong immunity. However, second infections, although uncommon, can occur.

Can mumps lead to infertility?

Mumps can lead to infertility in males if it causes orchitis (inflammation of the testicles). This complication is rare but more likely if mumps occurs after puberty.

How many days do mumps last?

Mumps typically lasts about 7 to 10 days, with most symptoms resolving within two weeks.

How can you tell the difference between swollen lymph nodes and mumps?

Swollen lymph nodes are usually smaller and localized to areas like the neck and under the jaw, whereas mumps causes larger, more diffuse swelling of the parotid glands near the ears.

What damage can mumps cause?

Mumps can cause complications such as orchitis, oophoritis, meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, and hearing loss.

Can mumps make you deaf?

Yes, mumps can cause hearing loss, usually in one ear, due to the virus affecting the auditory nerve.

How do you know if your child has mumps?

If your child exhibits symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and notably swollen and painful salivary glands, they may have mumps. A healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis through clinical evaluation and tests.

Summary

Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, part of the Paramyxovirus family. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can also be transmitted via direct contact with contaminated surfaces. 

Certain factors increase the risk of contracting mumps, including being in the 5 to 15 age group, not being vaccinated, and exposure to infected individuals. The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps and is crucial for reducing the spread of the virus.

The symptoms of mumps begin with non-specific early signs such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. As the infection progresses, classic symptoms like swollen, painful salivary glands (parotitis) and pain while chewing or swallowing become apparent. Additional symptoms can include earache, sore throat, and difficulty speaking.

In severe cases, mumps can lead to complications such as orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, and hearing loss. Recognising these symptoms early and seeking medical advice is essential for effective management and preventing the spread of mumps.