Mumps: Symptoms, Supportive Care & Complication Prevention

Mumps (paramyxovirus) causes parotitis (salivary gland swelling). Self-limiting; treatment is supportive.

Symptoms

• Parotid swelling (unilateral → bilateral), pain with chewing/swallowing
• Fever, headache, myalgia, fatigue, anorexia

Supportive Care

• Rest, hydration
• Soft, cool foods; avoid acidic/citrus (stimulates saliva → pain)
• Warm/cold compresses to glands
• Acetaminophen/ibuprofen for pain/fever
• Isolation: 5 days after parotitis onset (contagious via droplets/saliva)

Complications (Rare but Serious)

• Orchitis (post-pubertal males, 15–30%) → testicular atrophy, rare infertility
• Oophoritis (females)
• Meningitis/encephalitis, pancreatitis, deafness

Prevention

MMR vaccine (2 doses): 88% effective. Outbreaks occur in undervaccinated communities.

See doctor if high fever >3 days, testicular pain, severe headache, neck stiffness, or confusion.