Mumps in Children

What is mumps in children?

Mumps is a very contagious viral illness that infects the pair of salivary glands in front of the ears. These are called the parotid glands. Symptoms of mumps include swelling in the throat and jaw. Mumps usually occurs in childhood but can occur at any age. Cases of mumps in the U.S. happen much less often since the mumps vaccine has been used.

What causes mumps in a child?

Mumps is spread by contact with fluids from the mouth, nose, and throat when an infected child coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also live on surfaces like doorknobs, eating utensils, and drinking cups. The virus is spread when another child uses these items and then rubs their nose or mouth.

Which children are at risk for mumps?

A child is more at risk for mumps if they are around someone with mumps and haven't had the mumps vaccine.

What are the symptoms of mumps in a child?

Symptoms usually take 2 to 3 weeks to appear after contact with the virus. Many children have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of mumps include:

  • Pain and swelling in the salivary glands, especially in the jaw area.
  • Trouble talking and chewing.
  • Earache.
  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Tiredness.
  • Loss of appetite.

The symptoms of mumps can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees their health care provider for a diagnosis.

How is mumps diagnosed in a child?

The health care provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. Your child may also have tests such as a saliva or urine test to confirm the diagnosis.

How is mumps treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Antibiotics aren't effective in treating this illness because it is a virus.

The goal of treatment is to help ease symptoms. Treatment may include:

  • Bed rest.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort.

Talk with your child’s health care provider about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines. Don't give ibuprofen to a child younger than 6 months old unless your provider tells you to. Don't give aspirin or products that contain aspirin to children under 19 years old. Aspirin products given to children can cause a serious health condition called Reye syndrome that may damage the liver and brain.

What are possible complications of mumps in a child?

Complications of mumps occur more often in adults than in children. They can include:

  • Meningitis. This is inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. Most children recover fully from this.
  • Encephalitis. This is inflammation of the brain. Most children also recover fully from this.
  • Orchitis. This is inflammation of the testicles. It causes pain in the testicles. In rare cases, it may lead to infertility problems.
  • Mastitis. This is inflammation of breast tissue.
  • Oophoritis. This is inflammation of the ovaries. It may cause belly pain and vomiting.
  • Pancreatitis. This is inflammation of the pancreas.
  • Deafness. Loss of hearing can occur.

How can I help prevent mumps in my child?

Protection against mumps is included in a combination vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). MMR provides immunity for most people. Children who have had mumps are immune for life.

The MMR vaccine is given in two doses. The first dose is given at age 12 months to 15 months. A second dose is given at age 4 to 6 years. The second dose needs to be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

To help prevent the spread of mumps to others:

  • Keep your child out of school or daycare until symptoms are gone.
  • Check with your child's school or daycare about their vaccine practices. An infected person can spread mumps anytime from a few days before their glands start to swell, up to 5 days after the swelling begins. Check to see if the school or daycare restricts access to people who haven't had mumps or a mumps vaccine.
  • Wash your hands well before and after caring for your child.
  • Teach your child when and how to correctly wash their hands. Wash hands with soap and clean, running water. Wash for at least 20 seconds, which is about the same as having your child sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
  • Make sure other household members wash their hands often, especially before eating. Also, make sure your child-care center encourages handwashing.
  • Have your child cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
  • Clean hard surfaces, toys, and doorknobs with a disinfectant.

When should I call my child’s doctor?

Contact the health care provider right away if your child has:

  • Symptoms that don’t get better or that get worse.
  • New symptoms.

Key points about mumps in children

  • Mumps is a very contagious viral illness that infects the pair of salivary glands in front of the ears.
  • An infected person can spread mumps anytime from a few days before their glands start to swell, up to 5 days after the swelling begins.
  • Mumps is spread by contact with fluids from the mouth, nose, and throat when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • Mumps can be prevented by vaccine. Protection against mumps is included in a combination vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). MMR provides immunity for most people.
  • The most common symptoms of mumps include pain and swelling in the salivary glands, especially in the jaw area. Other symptoms include trouble talking and chewing, an earache, and a fever.
  • Keep your child out of school or daycare until symptoms have gone away. Wash your hands well before and after caring for your child. Have your child cover their mouth and nose when they sneeze or cough.

Next steps

Here are some tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s health care provider:

  • Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
  • At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
  • Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
  • Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
  • Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
  • Know what to expect if your child doesn't take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
  • If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
  • Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.