Mumps

A viral infection causing swollen glands. Back in the UK because of a vaccination gap, and it can cause deafness and infertility.

What it is

Mumps causes painful swelling of the parotid glands, in front of and below the ears. It is spread by droplets and is infectious from a couple of days before the swelling until five days after.

The UK has seen repeated outbreaks, concentrated in young adults born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a cohort with lower MMR coverage following the discredited claims about the vaccine. Universities have been a common setting.

It is often described as mild. The complications are not.

Orchitis, inflammation of the testicles, affects a substantial proportion of post-pubertal males with mumps and can affect fertility. Mumps is also a recognised cause of permanent one-sided deafness, and it can cause meningitis, encephalitis and pancreatitis.

Two doses of MMR give around 88% protection against mumps, and it is free at any age.

Signs you might notice

Swelling of one or both parotid glands, giving the characteristic hamster-cheek appearance.

Pain on chewing or swallowing, particularly anything acidic.

Fever, headache, aching muscles, tiredness, loss of appetite.

Complications: painful swollen testicles, severe headache with neck stiffness and light sensitivity, severe abdominal pain, or new hearing loss.

Hearing loss after mumps may be permanent and needs prompt assessment.

How it can affect day-to-day life

Exclusion is five days from the swelling starting, which affects work and university.

Pain relief and soft, non-acidic food make a substantial difference to how bearable it is.

There is no antiviral treatment; management is supportive.

Catch-up MMR is the practical answer, and any adult who is unsure of their vaccination status can simply have it. There is no harm in an extra dose.

Supporting someone well

Get both MMR doses. If you were born in the late 1990s or early 2000s, or you are unsure, ask for catch-up vaccination. It is free at any age.

Isolate for five days from the swelling.

Use paracetamol or ibuprofen, cold compresses, and soft food. Avoid acidic drinks, which are very painful.

Get testicular pain assessed; support and pain relief help, and it should be reviewed.

Get severe headache with neck stiffness, or any hearing change, assessed urgently.

Report cases; mumps is notifiable.

Where to get help

Call a GP for advice; phone ahead rather than attending, since it is infectious.

Contact a GP practice for catch-up MMR at any age.

Urgent assessment for severe headache with neck stiffness, severe abdominal pain, or hearing loss.