Mumps in Adults
What is mumps?
Mumps is an illness caused by a virus. It usually happens in childhood. Mumps is easily
spread by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract. After exposure, the
disease usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to appear. Since the introduction of the mumps
vaccine, cases of mumps in the U.S. are uncommon. But they still occur among people
who have not been vaccinated.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
Many children have no or very mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of mumps that
may be seen in both adults and children are:
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Discomfort in the salivary glands (in the front of the neck) or the parotid glands
(right in front of the ears). Either of these glands may become swollen and tender.
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Problems chewing
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Pain and tenderness of the testicles
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Fever
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Headache
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Muscle aches
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Tiredness
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Loss of appetite
These symptoms may look like other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare
provider for a diagnosis.
What complications are commonly linked to mumps?
Complications of mumps happen more often among adults than children. They may include:
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Meningitis or encephalitis. Inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord or inflammation
of the brain. This can lead to major problems, such as seizures, stroke, or death.
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Orchitis. Inflammation of one or both testicles. This can lower a man's ability to make sperm.
In rare cases, it can cause sterility.
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Mastitis. Inflammation of breast tissue.
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Parotitis. Inflammation of one or both parotid glands.
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Oophoritis. Inflammation of one or both ovaries. In rare cases, this can make it hard for a woman
to become pregnant.
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Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas.
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Deafness.
How is mumps diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. You
may also need tests done on saliva, blood, or urine to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the treatment for mumps?
Treatment is usually limited to medicines for pain and plenty of fluids. Sometimes
bed rest is needed the first few days. Experts advise adults stay home from work for
5 days after glands begin to swell. Children should stay out of school until symptoms
have lessened.
Both adults and children with mumps symptoms should reduce contact with other people
who live in their homes. These good basic hygiene practices can help control the disease:
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Wash your hands thoroughly.
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Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
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Regularly clean often-touched surfaces.
How can mumps be prevented?
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is a childhood combination vaccine against mumps,
measles, and rubella. The MMR provides immunity for most people. People who have had
the mumps are immune for life.
Usually, the first dose of the MMR vaccine is given when a child is 12 to 15 months
old. A second dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age. But if 28 days have passed since
the first dose was given, a second dose may be given before the age of 4.