Mumps: Symptoms, Causes, Complications and Care

What is Mumps Disease?

Mumps is a contagious viral disease that mostly affects the salivary glands near your jaw. It usually begins with mild symptoms like headache, fever and tiredness, followed by painful swelling that makes your cheeks look puffy. While mumps was quite common in the past, the introduction of the vaccine has greatly reduced the number of cases. However, occasional cases still occur, especially in schools, colleges and other places where people are in close contact. While the illness is more common in children, adults can get it too.

Although mumps is usually mild, it can sometimes lead to serious health problems. That’s why getting the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine is the best way to keep your child protected.

Key Symptoms

Early mumps symptoms are often mild, and many people don’t show any symptoms at all. Some may not even realise they are infected as the incubation period can range from 7-25 days after exposure.

Early symptoms often feel like the flu and can include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches or pain

• Loss of appetite

• Feeling tired or low on energy

After a few days, you might notice swelling in the salivary glands. This can cause:

• Swelling on one or both sides of the face (near the jaw)

• Discomfort or soreness in the swollen areas

• In some cases, swelling in the glands under the jaw or below the mouth

In some severe cases, mumps can affect vital organs, such as the brain, pancreas, testicles, or ovaries, mostly in teenagers and adults. If this happens, it can cause the following symptoms and needs quick medical attention:

• High fever and neck stiffness

• Bad headache and signs of confusion

• Abdominal pain and vomiting

• Seizures or unusual behaviour

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or your child shows signs of mumps, it is important to see a healthcare provider. However, since other illnesses can have similar symptoms, getting a quick and accurate diagnosis is important.

Seek medical help immediately if your child with mumps experiences:

1. A fever of 103°F (39°C) or higher

2. Abdominal pain

3. Trouble with eating or drinking

4. Confusion or unusual behaviour

5. Discomfort and swelling in the testicles

Until then, make sure your child gets good rest. You can also put a warm or cold cloth on the swollen glands to ease the pain. If medical attention is required, do not hesitate to use your health insurance plan. This ensures that you receive the right treatment without any hassles.

How it Spreads?

Mumps is caused by mumps virus, which belongs to a group called paramyxoviruses. This virus spreads from one person to another through saliva or tiny droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat when someone is sick.

Young kids are more likely to catch mumps, especially if:

• Someone with mumps sneezes, coughs or talks close to them

• They share things like cups, utensils, pens or other items with infected saliva on them.

• They join in activities with close contact, like playing sports or dancing.

Complications

In some cases, the mumps virus can spread to other parts of the body and cause complications, especially in teens and adults. These may include:

1. Encephalitis

This is swelling in the brain, which can cause confusion, seizures, or problems with muscle control.

2. Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. It can make you feel unwell with symptoms like headaches, fever and a stiff neck. However, meningitis caused by mumps rarely leads to long-term problems.

3. Hearing loss

Mumps can cause temporary or sudden hearing loss, but hearing usually returns to normal after recovery.

4. Pancreatitis

Mumps may cause inflammation of the pancreas, leading to stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and fever.

5. Swollen testicles (orchitis)

This can cause severe pain and usually happens in males after puberty.

6. Swollen ovaries (oophoritis)

This can cause stomach pain, fever, vomiting and nausea in females, mostly after puberty.

7. Miscarriage

Getting mumps during the first trimester of pregnancy may slightly increase the risk of miscarriage.

8. Arthritis

Mumps can cause joint inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness.

9. Thyroiditis

In some cases, mumps may cause swelling of the thyroid gland, which can lead to neck pain and hormonal changes. Many of the complications mentioned above are critical illnesses. To be prepared for such a scenario, it is advised that you ensure you are covered with critical illness insurance.

Preventive Measures and Vaccination

Here are some important steps to prevent mumps:

•Avoid close contact

Stay away from people who have mumps, since the virus spreads easily through close contact.

•Don’t share personal items

Avoid sharing cups, spoons, water bottles, towels, or anything that might carry the virus from someone who is infected.

•Wash your hands often

Clean your hands regularly with soap and water, or use a hand sanitiser.

•Cover your mouth and nose

Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to stop germs from spreading.

•Boost your immunity

Keeping your immune system strong helps fight off infections. Simple habits, such as eating well, getting enough sleep, staying active, and managing stress, can help strengthen your immune system.

•MMR vaccination

Getting both doses of the mumps vaccine usually gives strong protection. Even if the protection weakens over time, vaccinated individuals typically experience mild symptoms and recover quickly if they contract mumps.

The mumps vaccine is part of the MMR shot, which also protects your child from measles and rubella. It is given in two doses for full protection:

• The first dose is given between 12 and 15 months of age.

• The second dose is given between 4 and 6 years old, usually before starting school.

Risk Factors

You have a higher chance of getting mumps if you:

• Have a weak immune system

• Frequently travel to other countries

• Haven’t been vaccinated against mumps

• Live or spend time in crowded places, like college dorms

Risk Factors

Most individuals recover from mumps within a few weeks with rest and at-home care. If your child is infected, here’s what you can do to help them recover faster:

1. Make sure they rest well

Ensure your child gets plenty of rest to help their body heal faster. You must also keep them from physical activities until they feel better.

2. Keep them hydrated

Give your child plenty of fluids like water, juice, or warm soup to stay hydrated and help fight the virus.

3. Offer soft foods

Soft foods such as soup, yoghurt and mashed potatoes are easier to eat, especially if their jaw feels swollen. Avoid acidic or spicy foods, as these might cause more pain.

4. Manage pain and fever

Give medicines recommended by your doctor to help reduce fever and relieve pain or swelling.

5. Use warm or cold compresses

Gently apply a warm or cold cloth to the swollen areas on your child’s face to help relieve discomfort.

6. Watch for serious symptoms

Contact your child’s doctor immediately if they have a high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, stomach pain, or pain and swelling in the testicles.