Mumps

About Mumps

Mumps is a viral disease caused by the mumps virus, historically a common childhood illness. The hallmark is parotitis swelling of the parotid salivary glands located below and in front of the ears, giving a chipmunk cheek appearance. The swelling is typically bilateral but may be unilateral, developing over 1 to 3 days. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of infections are asymptomatic. Complications are more common in adults. Orchitis inflammation of the testicles historically occurred in up to about 30 percent of unvaccinated post pubertal males and can rarely contribute to reduced fertility. Oophoritis ovarian inflammation affects a smaller proportion of post pubertal females. Pancreatitis, meningitis, encephalitis, and sensorineural hearing loss are less common complications. Deafness may be permanent. Diagnosis is clinical, confirmed by PCR or serology. Treatment is supportive. Prevention with the MMR vaccine is approximately 88 percent effective after two doses. Vaccine induced immunity wanes over time, leading to outbreaks in young adults. Outbreaks among professional ice hockey players and on college campuses illustrate waning immunity. No specific antiviral treatment exists. Post exposure vaccination does not prevent disease but provides future protection.