Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands — one of three pairs of salivary glands, located below and in front of your ears. If you or your child contracts mumps, it can cause swelling in one or both parotid glands.

Causes

Mumps is caused by a virus that spreads through saliva. It is very contagious; you can get it simply by being near someone who has the disease. The chances of getting the disease are greater if you have never received the mumps vaccine (part of the MMR shot).

What is the treatment for mumps?

There is no specific treatment. Supportive care should be given as needed. If someone becomes very ill, they should seek medical attention. If someone seeks medical attention, they should call their doctor in advance so that they don't have to sit in the waiting room for a long time and possibly infect other patients.

What you should do?

Do not give aspirin to children with mumps who are under 18 years of age. This could lead to brain and liver damage (Reye's syndrome). Be sure to check for aspirin on the label of any over-the-counter medicines you buy.

You may give acetaminophen for fever and pain

A warm towel or heating pad set on low may help ease the pain in the swollen glands. An ice pack also may help.

Have the child rest as much as possible.

The child may eat normally, but should not have foods that need lots of chewing. Give plenty of fluids such as ginger ale, cola, iced tea, or water (6 to 8 soda-can size glasses each day). Do not give fruit juices; they may make the pain worse.

Call your child's school or day-care center and let them know the child has the mumps.

Mumps is easily spread until the swelling is gone--usually about 1 week. Keep your child away from other children who have not had mumps or a mumps shot. Adults whose brothers or sisters had mumps when they were children can be considered protected. People who are not protected should call the doctor to see if they should get the mumps shot.

How is mumps spread?

Mumps is spread by mucus or droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs or sneezes. Surfaces of items (e.g. toys) can also spread the virus if someone who is sick touches them without washing their hands, and someone else then touches the same surface and then rubs their eyes, mouth, nose etc. (this is called fomite transmission).