Mumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Mumps?
A primary care doctor, such as a family medicine doctor or a pediatrician (a doctor for children), usually diagnoses and treats mumps. An infectious disease doctor, a doctor who treats infections, can help if the illness is not typical. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is mumps?
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the salivary glands. The salivary glands make saliva, a liquid that moistens food and helps you chew and swallow.
After the U.S. mumps vaccination program started in 1967, there was a more than 99% decrease in mumps cases in the United States. Mumps is still a common disease in many countries.
Symptoms
Early symptoms can begin a few days before the jaw swells. They include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
Mumps is best known for causing puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. This swelling of the parotid salivary glands under the ears, on one or both sides, is called parotitis. Males may also have a testicle lump, pain, or swelling.
Some people with mumps have very mild symptoms, like a cold. Some have no symptoms at all and may not know they have mumps. Symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 days after infection, but they may appear 12 to 25 days after infection. Most people with mumps recover completely within 2 weeks.
In rare cases, mumps can cause more serious problems, called complications. These include:
- Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis), which may lead to smaller testicles.
- Inflammation of the ovaries or breast tissue.
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which can lead to death or permanent disability.
- Inflammation of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
- Hearing loss, which can be temporary or permanent.
Causes and who gets it
Mumps is caused by a virus. It spreads through direct contact with saliva or with respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat.
You can get mumps and spread the virus by:
- Coughing, sneezing, or talking.
- Sharing items that may have saliva on them, such as water bottles or cups.
- Close-contact activities with others, like playing sports, dancing, or kissing.
A person with mumps can spread it beginning a few days before the salivary glands swell, and until up to 5 days after swelling begins. Anyone who is not protected against mumps is at risk. Mumps most often occurs in children ages 2 through 12 who have not been vaccinated, but it can happen at any age.
Mumps spreads more easily among people who are in constant close contact, such as school-aged children, students at colleges and other schools after high school, and health care workers. Some people who have been vaccinated can still get mumps. However, they usually have milder symptoms and fewer complications.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider does an exam and asks about your symptoms, especially when they started. No tests are needed in most cases, because a provider can usually diagnose mumps by looking at your symptoms. Blood tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for mumps. These steps can relieve symptoms:
- Apply ice or heat packs to the neck area.
- Take acetaminophen to relieve pain.
- Drink extra fluid.
- Eat soft foods.
- Gargle with warm salt water.
Do not give aspirin to anyone under 19 years of age who has a viral illness, because of the risk of Reye syndrome. People with mumps usually do well, even when organs other than the salivary glands are involved. After the illness is over, they have immunity to mumps for the rest of their life.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Getting two doses of the mumps vaccine is the best protection against mumps. Children get the first dose at 12 through 15 months old and the second dose at 4 through 6 years old. Adults can also receive the vaccine.
When to see a doctor
Contact a doctor if you or your child has mumps along with:
- Red eyes
- Constant vomiting or abdominal pain
- Pain or a lump in a testicle
Call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the emergency room if seizures occur, or if you or your child has a severe headache, a stiff neck, confusion, or constant drowsiness.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can evaluate your symptoms, follow your recovery over time, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is mumps contagious?
Yes. Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. A person can spread it beginning a few days before the salivary glands swell, and until up to 5 days after swelling begins.
How long does mumps last?
Most people with mumps recover completely within 2 weeks.
Can you get mumps if you have been vaccinated?
Yes. Some people who have been vaccinated can still get mumps. However, they usually have milder symptoms and fewer complications.
Is there a treatment for mumps?
No. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Steps like drinking extra fluid, eating soft foods, and taking acetaminophen can relieve symptoms.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
