Can mumps be deadly?

Mumps commonly causes fever, tiredness and painful swelling of salivary glands near the jaw. Most people improve with supportive care, but the infection can sometimes affect the brain and its coverings, the pancreas, hearing or the reproductive organs. Risk and symptoms vary with age, health and vaccination history. A severe outcome is not the expected result of every infection, and a symptom should be judged on its own urgency rather than used to predict a diagnosis.

Read more about [Mumps](/conditions/mumps/) and watch for changes in alertness, hydration, pain or breathing.

Rest, take fluids in small frequent amounts and use soft foods when jaw movement is painful. Use fever or pain treatment only as directed for the person’s age and health. Avoid close contact, shared utensils and saliva exposure while seeking advice. Book a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for suspected mumps, especially if the person is pregnant, very young, older, immunocompromised or has a significant long-term condition. Ask about [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) for prevention planning.

Get emergency help for confusion, seizure, fainting, severe headache with neck stiffness, difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, sudden hearing change, severe abdominal pain, or marked testicular pain or swelling. Contact a clinician promptly for a persistent [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), worsening [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/) or inability to drink.

Ask which symptoms suggest a complication, how to reduce spread at home, whether testing is needed, and when normal activities can resume.