Overview
Mumps is a viral infection that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw, giving the face a puffy, hamster-like look. It is spread through coughs and sneezes and mostly affects children. Most recover fully within a couple of weeks with rest and fluids. Occasionally it causes complications such as painful testicle swelling in older boys and men, or, rarely, brain or ear involvement. Vaccination prevents it.
Symptoms
- Painful swelling of one or both cheeks and jaw glands
- Pain on chewing or swallowing
- Fever and headache
- Tiredness and loss of appetite
- In older boys and men, painful testicle swelling
When to see a doctor
See a doctor to confirm mumps, and urgently for severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, or painful testicle swelling.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Severe headache with a stiff neck, drowsiness or fits, or severe testicle pain and swelling — seek care urgently
Causes
The mumps virus, spread through saliva droplets from coughs, sneezes and shared items. Unvaccinated people are most at risk.