Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus. It mainly affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, which are located in front of and below the ears.
Mumps can begin with symptoms that look similar to a common viral infection. Recognizing the early warning signs may help you seek medical advice and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
1. SWELLING AROUND THE CHEEKS OR JAW
One of the most characteristic signs of mumps is swelling of the salivary glands.
The swelling usually occurs around the cheeks and the area just below or in front of the ears. It can make the face appear fuller or swollen on one or both sides.
The swelling may develop gradually rather than appearing suddenly.
2. PAIN OR TENDERNESS NEAR THE EARS
Before or together with visible swelling, you may experience pain, tenderness, or discomfort around the ears and jaw.
The area may feel sore when touched, particularly around the parotid glands.
This discomfort can sometimes be mistaken for an earache or tooth problem.
3. FEVER
Fever is a common early symptom of mumps.
The temperature may rise as the body's immune system responds to the viral infection. Fever may occur before the characteristic facial swelling becomes obvious.
Fever accompanied by swelling around the jaw or cheeks should be medically assessed, particularly if you have been exposed to someone with mumps.
4. HEADACHE
A headache may occur during the early stage of mumps.
It can occur together with fever, tiredness, muscle aches, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Because headaches are common with many viral infections, a headache alone does not indicate that a person has mumps.
5. TIREDNESS AND LOW ENERGY
Feeling unusually tired or weak can be an early sign of a viral infection.
You may feel less energetic than usual and may want to rest more frequently.
This can occur before the more recognizable swelling of the salivary glands develops.
6. LOSS OF APPETITE
Some people with mumps experience a reduced appetite.
You may not feel interested in food, particularly when eating becomes uncomfortable because of pain or swelling around the jaw.
Drinking enough fluids is important, especially if fever is present.
7. PAIN WHEN CHEWING
As the salivary glands become inflamed, chewing may become uncomfortable or painful.
You may notice that the pain is worse when eating foods that require a lot of chewing.
The jaw may feel stiff, sore, or uncomfortable during meals.
8. PAIN WHEN SWALLOWING
Swallowing may become uncomfortable because of inflammation and swelling around the salivary glands.
Some people may experience pain when swallowing food or drinks.
If swallowing becomes very difficult or you are unable to maintain adequate fluid intake, medical attention should be sought.
9. DRY MOUTH
Inflammation of the salivary glands can sometimes affect normal saliva production.
As a result, your mouth may feel unusually dry.
You may also notice that eating or swallowing feels less comfortable than usual.
10. MUSCLE ACHES AND BODY PAIN
Mumps can cause generalized muscle aches and body discomfort.
You may experience soreness in the muscles or feel as though you are coming down with a flu-like illness.
These symptoms are usually nonspecific and can occur with many other viral infections.
11. SORE THROAT OR GENERAL THROAT DISCOMFORT
Some people may experience throat discomfort during mumps.
This can occur together with swollen salivary glands, fever, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.
A sore throat by itself, however, is much more commonly caused by other infections or conditions.
12. SWELLING THAT MAKES THE JAWLINE LESS VISIBLE
As the parotid glands become swollen, the normal shape of the jaw and cheeks may become less defined.
The face may look puffy, particularly around the lower cheeks and the area below the ears.
The swelling can occur on one side or both sides.
13. PAIN OR DISCOMFORT WHEN EATING
People with mumps may notice that eating becomes uncomfortable.
Chewing, swallowing, or stimulating saliva production can sometimes increase pain around the swollen salivary glands.
You may therefore prefer soft foods and may eat less than usual.
14. FEELING GENERALLY UNWELL
Before the classic facial swelling appears, mumps can cause a general feeling of illness.
You may experience a combination of:
- Fever
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- General weakness
These early symptoms can resemble other viral infections.
15. SYMPTOMS AFTER CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS MUMPS
Exposure history is particularly important.
Mumps spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva from an infected person. If you have recently been in close contact with someone who has mumps and subsequently develop fever, headache, tiredness, or swelling around the jaw and cheeks, you should contact a healthcare professional.
Symptoms typically develop around 12–25 days after infection, with an average incubation period of approximately 16–18 days.
WHEN DOES THE CLASSIC MUMPS SWELLING APPEAR?
The characteristic swelling of the parotid glands commonly develops after the initial flu-like symptoms.
The swelling may begin on one side and later affect the other side, although not everyone develops swelling on both sides.
The swollen area can be painful and may make the cheeks and jaw look noticeably enlarged.
HOW LONG DOES MUMPS USUALLY LAST?
Mumps symptoms generally improve over several days to a couple of weeks.
The swelling of the salivary glands often lasts for several days and gradually decreases as the infection resolves.
Recovery can vary from person to person.
Because mumps is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not treat the mumps virus itself.
MUMPS CAN OCCUR WITHOUT OBVIOUS SWELLING
It is important to remember that not everyone infected with the mumps virus develops the classic swollen cheeks.
Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may have no noticeable symptoms at all.
This is one reason why exposure history and medical assessment can be important when mumps is suspected.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF MUMPS
Although most people recover without serious problems, mumps can occasionally cause complications.
Possible complications include:
- Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis)
- Inflammation of the ovaries (oophoritis)
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Hearing problems or, rarely, permanent hearing loss
Complications are more likely to require medical attention, particularly in adolescents and adults.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms suggestive of mumps, especially:
- Swelling around the cheeks, jaw, or ears
- Fever together with facial swelling
- Significant pain when chewing or swallowing
- Symptoms after known exposure to someone with mumps
- Severe headache or unusual sensitivity to light
- Severe vomiting
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
- Neck stiffness
- Significant abdominal pain
- Pain or swelling of the testicles
If you suspect that you have mumps, contact the healthcare facility before arriving so they can advise you on how to avoid exposing other patients and healthcare workers.
HOW TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF MUMPS
Mumps is highly contagious. If mumps is suspected or confirmed, follow medical advice regarding staying away from other people.
Helpful measures include:
- Avoid close contact with others while infectious.
- Do not share cups, bottles, utensils, or other items that may be contaminated with saliva.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Follow isolation recommendations from your healthcare professional.
- Make sure you and your family members are appropriately vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine provides protection against mumps as well as measles and rubella.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Mumps can initially look like an ordinary viral illness. Fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, and loss of appetite may appear before the more recognizable symptoms.
The classic warning sign is painful swelling of the salivary glands around the cheeks, jaw, and area in front of or below the ears. Pain when chewing or swallowing and a dry mouth may also occur.
Because mumps is contagious and can occasionally cause complications, anyone who develops characteristic facial swelling particularly after possible exposure should seek medical advice and take steps to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Important: Symptoms can overlap with many other illnesses. This article is for general health information and does not replace diagnosis or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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