Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection best known for swelling of the parotid (cheek) salivary glands — giving the classic "hamster face" look. It spreads by droplets. Most children recover fully, but mumps can cause serious complications and is easily prevented by vaccine.

Symptoms

• Swollen, tender cheek(s) — one or both sides; pain worse with chewing sour foods.
• Fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness.
• Earache on the affected side.
• Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing.
• Incubation: 2-3 weeks; infectious from 2 days before to ~5 days after swelling.

Possible complications — reasons to take it seriously

• Orchitis — painful testicular inflammation in post-pubertal boys/men; rarely affects fertility.
• Oophoritis, mastitis in women.
• Meningitis or encephalitis — uncommon but serious.
• Hearing loss — can be sudden and permanent.
• Pancreatitis.

When to see a Health Expert

• Severe headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, confusion, vomiting.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Painful swollen testicle.
• Sudden hearing change.
• High fever that persists.
• In pregnancy.

Treatment

Supportive care — fluids, rest, simple pain reliever; avoid acidic foods/drinks that trigger gland pain. There is no specific antiviral. Isolate until 5 days after swelling starts to reduce spread.

Prevention

MMR vaccine prevents mumps. It is not part of India's core UIP (MR is) but is offered privately in many paediatric schedules. Two-dose MMR gives long-term protection. Discuss with a paediatrician, particularly if there is any local outbreak.