Mumps: symptoms and treatment

Mumps is defined as a childhood disease, and it is highly contagious. But how is mumps transmitted? Mumps viruses are spread primarily by droplet infection; infected droplets are released into the air through coughing, sneezing or talking, and other people can breathe them in. How can you prevent mumps?

The symptoms of mumps aren’t always obvious. Toddlers under the age of five are more likely to experience flu-like symptoms. And unlike measles or rubella, mumps does not cause a rash. Mumps symptoms for parents to look out for include:

• Fever: Initial signs may include a mild to moderate fever that comes on suddenly. This is a common symptom of many childhood diseases, including mumps.
• Feeling unwell and loss of appetite: Children often feel generally unwell and show little interest in food. This symptom can occur along with other signs of infection.
• Painful swelling of the parotid glands: One obvious symptom of mumps is inflammation of the parotid glands, which leads to visible swelling in the facial area.
• Headaches: Headaches are another common symptom.
• Flu-like symptoms: Mumps can also cause flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, fatigue, and a runny nose.
• Swelling of the salivary glands: In addition to the parotid glands, the salivary glands under the tongue and in the lower jaw can swell.
• Enlarged lymph nodes: In some cases, mumps can lead to enlarged lymph nodes.

On top of these symptoms, in rare cases childhood mumps can lead to complications like meningitis. But you should still check your child for symptoms, which can include severe headaches, neck stiffness and lethargy. If you notice these signs, contact your doctor immediately.

The duration and course of mumps can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. The incubation period for mumps is generally 14 to 24 days. There are no symptoms during this time, but the virus is already active in the body. After the incubation period, initial symptoms appear, such as headaches and a sense of being generally unwell. One to two days later, the parotid gland swells. This swelling is initially one-sided, but later often affects both sides. This lasts around three to eight days.

How long is mumps infectious?

Someone with mumps will usually be contagious for two to seven days before the first symptoms appear. Once the disease has subsided, they are still contagious for up to nine days.

Can you get mumps more than once?

Mumps can recur in very rare cases, but generally infection confers lifelong immunity.

Is mumps dangerous for babies or pregnant women?

Mumps is the same in babies as it is in toddlers. However, particular caution is advised in pregnancy. Mumps can lead to miscarriage in the first three months of pregnancy, but the disease is not generally associated with later miscarriages or deformities.

There are a variety of methods for accurately diagnosing mumps in children and adolescents. These include:

• Visual diagnosis: The doctor examines the visible symptoms typically associated with mumps. Often they will be able to make an initial diagnosis based on the symptoms and the signs. Since the disease is rare, they will often arrange a laboratory test as well – especially if the patient has already been vaccinated against mumps.
• Laboratory diagnosis: A blood test is used to confirm the diagnosis. Here, specialists look for special antibodies: IgM antibodies (immunoglobulin M antibodies), which are indicators of infection.
• Further examinations: If these two examinations fail to yield meaningful results, a urine test or a throat swab can help.

Mumps can only be treated symptomatically, so treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms. The following tips can help:

• Rest up: Rest is important as it allows the body to fight the virus. Let your child recover from mumps at home – until the acute symptoms have subsided.
• Reduce fever: Calf compresses and suitable medication can help with a fever. Talk to your paediatrician about active ingredients and dosage.
• Keep hydrated: It is important that your child drink plenty of fluids, especially if they have a fever. Water and tea maintain help fluid levels and can alleviate difficulties in swallowing.
• Use compresses: Compresses help to combat swelling of the salivary glands and pain. You can choose between warming or cooling compresses – whichever is more comfortable for your child.

Mumps is usually harmless in children. If your child’s condition deteriorates in spite of treatment, contact your paediatric practice.