Mumps

Updated: 2023-10-19

Description

An illness caused by a virus that usually affects the glands on each side of the face.

Overview

Mumps is caused by a virus that affects the glands on each side of the face, called parotid glands. The virus that causes mumps can spread through coughs, sneezes, kissing, or touching surfaces, with infected droplets. Vaccines protect people from mumps and complications from the illness.

Symptoms

Mumps symptoms can include fever, headache, tiredness and muscle aches. Glands on one or both sides of the face may become swollen and painful within days. Glands below the floor of the mouth may swell.

Treatments

There is no specific treatment for mumps. People tend to recover within 3 to 10 days. Steps to manage symptoms include rest, drinking fluids and cold packs for painful areas. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may help too.