What to know about mumps virus

Mumps spreads in respiratory droplets and saliva during close contact, coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing cups and utensils. People can pass it on before obvious swelling appears, and some have few noticeable symptoms.

Mumps commonly presents with tender swelling of one or both parotid glands, which sit in front of and below the ears. This can make the cheeks or jaw look puffy and can make chewing, swallowing, or sour foods uncomfortable. Fever, headache, tiredness, reduced appetite, and muscle aches may occur. Less commonly, inflammation can affect the testicles, ovaries, pancreas, tissue around the brain, or the brain itself.

Call a clinic before attending if mumps is suspected so staff can prevent exposure in waiting areas. Stay away from school, work, group settings, and people at higher risk for the period advised by your clinician or local public health service. Avoid sharing drinks, cutlery, towels, or toothbrushes, wash hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and improve ventilation indoors.

Rest, drink enough fluid, choose soft foods if chewing hurts, and use a cool or warm compress on swollen glands. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may ease pain or fever when suitable for you and taken according to the label. Antibiotics do not treat mumps because it is caused by a virus. Vaccination helps prevent future infection but does not cure current symptoms.

Arrange clinical assessment for new swelling near the ear or jaw, particularly after contact with someone who has mumps or when vaccination history is uncertain. Similar swelling can have other causes, and a clinician can advise on testing, isolation, and notification requirements.

Get urgent help for a severe or worsening headache, stiff neck, confusion, unusual drowsiness, seizure, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, breathing or swallowing difficulty, or painful swelling of a testicle. Sudden hearing change also needs prompt assessment. These symptoms can reflect complications rather than routine gland swelling.

Discuss whether your symptoms fit mumps, whether testing is useful, how long to avoid close contact, and which pain relief is appropriate. Ask the clinician to review your vaccination record and advise whether close contacts should check their MMR vaccination status.