Mumps affects the salivary glands particularly the parotid glands which are located on the face, jaw and under the ears. Mumps are spread from one person to another by salivary droplets and close contact. The incubation period (time between exposure and onset of symptoms) lasts from 2 to 3 weeks averaging about 18 days.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

In most cases the first sign of mumps is a swelling in the parotid gland. Occasionally, mumps may begin with a slight fever, headache and malaise (a general feeling of unwellness) before the swelling appears. Sometimes only one of the parotid glands is affected but both may be affected at the same time or one after the other. The gland becomes swollen and tender and is very painful. Although it hurts to open one's mouth, patients may not feel sick. After 2 or 3 days the swelling begins to go down and usually it disappears by the 10th day. As a rule, patients are advised to avoid contact with others for no longer than 14 days.

Are there any complications?

Children seldom suffer complications with mumps but adults may. In men, mumps can cause an inflammation of the testes called Orchitis which can lead in rare cases to sterility. Viral meningitis and Encephalitis are other complications of the disease but again, considered a very rare occurrence. In older adults who develop the disease, complications may arise in the central nervous system, the pancreas, the prostate or the breasts. Adults are more likely to develop one or more complications. Children seldom do.

What is the treatment for mumps?

There is no specific treatment for a case of the mumps. Heat and/or ice applications to the swollen glands to relieve pain and a diet which does not require chewing is the usual treatment. It has been reported that acidic foods such as fruit juice, coffee and yogurt ingested during the painful stage can increase the pain. Acetaminophen can be administered for further pain relief as well as salt water gargles.