Mumps (Epidemic Parotitis)

Overview

Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the paramyxovirus. It is best known for the painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands (parotitis). Mumps was a common childhood disease before the introduction of the mumps vaccine.

The mumps vaccine has been available since 1967. The MMR vaccine provides about 88% protection against mumps after two doses. While mumps is usually mild in children, it can cause serious complications in adolescents and adults, including infertility in males.

Before the mumps vaccine, nearly everyone got mumps during childhood. Since vaccination programs began, mumps cases have decreased by more than 99% in countries with high vaccination coverage. However, outbreaks still occur, particularly in close-contact settings like schools and colleges.

88%

MMR vaccine effectiveness against mumps

15-30%

Asymptomatic cases (no symptoms)

1 in 3

Post-pubertal males may develop orchitis

Symptoms of Mumps

Symptoms typically appear 12-25 days after exposure to the virus. About one-third of infected people have mild or no symptoms.

Early Symptoms

Fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and general malaise

Parotitis (Swollen Glands)

Painful swelling of one or both parotid glands (salivary glands located below the ears and jaw)

Pain While Chewing

Swelling causes pain and tenderness when chewing, swallowing, or drinking acidic liquids

Fever Pattern

Low to moderate fever (101-103°F) that typically lasts 3-4 days

Contagious Period

From 2 days before to 5 days after salivary gland swelling begins

Duration

Illness typically lasts 7-10 days, with swelling gradually subsiding

Prevention & Vaccination

MMR Vaccine

Primary Prevention

Two doses: First at 12-15 months, second at 4-6 years

88% effective against mumps

Outbreak Control

Third Dose

During outbreaks, a third MMR dose may be recommended for high-risk groups

Especially in college settings

Isolation

During Illness

Stay home for 5 days after gland swelling begins to prevent spread

Avoid contact with unvaccinated individuals

Healthcare Workers

Required Immunity

Healthcare personnel should have documented immunity to mumps

Two doses of MMR vaccine recommended

Complications of Mumps

Mumps complications are more common in adolescents and adults than in children. While mumps is usually mild, complications can be serious and permanent.

Orchitis

Testicular inflammation occurs in 15-30% of post-pubertal males. Can cause testicular atrophy and rarely sterility.

Oophoritis

Ovarian inflammation in 5% of post-pubertal females. Causes lower abdominal pain and fever.

Meningitis

Viral meningitis occurs in 1-10% of mumps cases. Usually resolves without long-term problems.

Encephalitis

Brain inflammation occurs in 1 in 6,000 cases. Can cause permanent neurological damage.

Hearing Loss

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in about 1 in 20,000 cases. Usually permanent and unilateral.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas occurs in about 4% of cases. Causes severe abdominal pain.

WHO Global Impact Data:

Before vaccination, mumps was a common childhood disease with annual epidemics. Since the introduction of the mumps vaccine, cases have decreased by over 99% in countries with high vaccination coverage. However, mumps still causes outbreaks, particularly among young adults in close-contact settings like schools and universities.

Information Source:

All information based on World Health Organization (WHO) data, guidelines, and publications including:

• WHO Mumps Fact Sheets
• Weekly Epidemiological Record (WER) publications
• Global Vaccine Action Plan

For latest updates, visit: WHO Mumps Information