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Mumps

REVIEWED_BY  dr. Fauzan Azhari SpPD  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Is Mumps?

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a viral infection, primarily targeting the parotid glands, salivary glands located near the ears. The most recognizable symptom is swelling in the cheeks and jaw.

While often perceived as a childhood illness, mumps can lead to serious complications, including viral spread to the brain and even hearing loss. That’s why understanding its prevention and treatment is essential.

Causes of Mumps

Mumps is a contagious illness mostly affecting children. It is caused by a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family, and spreads in a manner similar to influenza via infected saliva droplets.

You can contract mumps by inhaling droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. Indirect transmission is also possible through contaminated objects, such as shared eating utensils or surfaces touched by infected individuals.

Once inside the body, the virus travels through the respiratory tract and settles in the parotid glands, where it incubates for about 2–3 weeks before symptoms appear.

Risk Factors

Mumps is highly contagious, particularly in densely populated areas or among individuals in close contact. Risk factors include:

  1. Living with an infected person: Droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking can spread the virus easily within households.
  2. Sharing personal items: Using shared utensils, water bottles, towels, or toothbrushes with an infected person increases the risk of transmission.
  3. Close contact before symptom onset: Mumps can be transmitted a few days before gland swelling appears, and up to five days afterward.
  4. Lack of MMR vaccination: Those who haven’t received or completed the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine series are more vulnerable.

If diagnosed with mumps, you should self-isolate for at least five days after swelling starts to prevent spreading the virus, especially to children, the elderly, and unvaccinated individuals.

Symptoms of Mumps

The hallmark symptom is swelling in the cheeks and jaw due to inflammation of the parotid glands. Other symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite

Symptoms usually appear 16–18 days after virus exposure. However, severity varies; some may only experience mild symptoms, while others may develop serious complications such as hearing loss.

Diagnosis

To diagnose mumps, doctors begin by gathering a thorough medical history—reviewing symptoms, vaccination status, and any possible exposure.

Physical exams usually focus on swollen facial areas and examination of the throat and tonsils.

Further diagnostic tests may include:

  • Urine tests to check for viral spread to the urinary tract
  • Buccal swab from inside the cheek to detect the virus
  • Blood tests to confirm viral presence

Treatment for Mumps

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. Recovery depends on the immune system’s ability to fight off the infection.

To relieve symptoms:

  • Apply warm compresses to swollen areas
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Get adequate rest
  • Avoid acidic drinks like citrus juices
  • Eat soft foods to minimize chewing discomfort
  • Avoid sour foods
  • Use pain relievers as prescribed

Most people recover within 1–2 weeks. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor immediately.

Here are some over-the-counter and prescribed options for symptom relief:

  • Mefinal 500 mg: Mefenamic acid for pain, inflammation, and fever
  • Ponstan 500 mg: Mefenamic acid for mild to moderate pain
  • Panadol Extra: Paracetamol and caffeine for headaches and dental pain
  • Sanmol Forte 650 mg: Paracetamol to reduce fever and pain
  • Farsifen 400 mg: Ibuprofen for inflammation, pain, and fever
  • Opistan 500 mg: NSAID for moderate pain relief

All are available on the Halodoc Health Store, alongside vitamins and supplements.

Mumps Complications

Though rare, mumps can cause serious complications, such as:

  • Orchitis: Painful swelling of one or both testicles, mostly in post-pubertal males
  • Encephalitis: Brain inflammation that can be life-threatening
  • Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord
  • Hearing loss: Can affect one or both ears, occasionally permanent
  • Cardiac issues: Irregular heartbeat or myocarditis (rare)

Mumps Prevention

Key prevention methods include:

  1. Vaccination: Children should receive the MMR vaccine at 12–18 months, with a booster at 5–7 years old.
  2. Personal hygiene: Adults who never received the vaccine should avoid sharing personal items and practice good hygiene.
  3. Home isolation: Infected individuals should avoid public activities until fully recovered—especially during the contagious period.
  4. Cough/sneeze etiquette: Always cover your mouth and nose, dispose of tissues properly, and wash hands frequently to prevent virus spread.

Get the MMR Vaccine at Home with Halodoc

You can now conveniently receive the MMR (M-M-R II) vaccine at home with Halodoc’s Homecare service, available in Jabodetabek, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Denpasar.

Here are the benefits of MMR Vaccination at Home with Halodoc:

  • Administered by certified vaccination doctors
  • Strict health protocols
  • Post-vaccine health observation
  • Genuine vaccines registered with BPOM
  • Prices starting at IDR 690,000 with family discounts
  • No extra fees
  • Includes a free IDR 25,000 voucher for doctor chat after vaccination

Book now via the Halodoc app or contact WhatsApp 0888-0999-9226.

Contact our English-speaking doctor directly from your smartphone using the Halodoc app. Doctors are available 24 hours to answer your questions.

Don’t wait, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening and transmission.

You can also purchase 100% original and trusted health products from the Halodoc Health Store. No need to leave home, delivery in just 1 hour!

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Halodoc app on Play Store or App Store today!

References:
CDC. Accessed in 2025. Mumps.
Mayo Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Mumps.
NHS. Accessed in 2025. Mumps.
Healthline. Accessed in 2025. Mumps: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment.

FAQs

1. How can I reduce mumps swelling quickly?

Use cold compresses, eat soft foods, stay hydrated, rest, and take pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol.

2. What causes mumps?

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, typically transmitted through respiratory droplets or contaminated objects.

3. How long does it take for mumps to heal?

Most cases resolve within 1–2 weeks.

4. Can mumps heal on its own?

Yes, in many cases it resolves without medical treatment. However, monitor for complications or worsening symptoms and consult a doctor if needed.

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