Mumps

Mumps is an acute viral infection caused by mumps virus, classically producing parotitis. Vaccination has markedly reduced disease frequency, but outbreaks can still occur in incompletely vaccinated populations.

Typical features include:

• Fever
• Malaise
• Headache
• Painful parotid swelling

Parotid swelling may be unilateral or bilateral and can obscure the angle of the jaw.

Complications include:

• Orchitis
• Oophoritis
• Aseptic meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Pancreatitis
• Sensorineural hearing loss

Orchitis is more common after puberty.

Diagnosis is often clinical during an outbreak.

PCR from buccal or oral specimens is preferred for laboratory confirmation.

Serology may be less reliable in previously vaccinated individuals.

Consider bacterial parotitis, salivary duct obstruction and other viral causes of parotitis.

Treatment is supportive.

• Oral fluids
• Soft diet
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain
• Cold or warm compresses according to comfort

There is no routine antiviral therapy.

Orchitis is treated with analgesia, scrotal support and local cooling.

Neurological complications require admission and supportive management.

Apply appropriate isolation precautions according to public health guidance.