Reviewed by Dr John Pillinger, GP

What is mumps?

Getty - mumps
Swollen parotid glands and high temperature caused by mumps may be unpleasant.

Mumps is caused by a paramyxovirus.




How do you catch mumps?




The virus enters the body through the airways, then passes around the body in the bloodstream. It can end up almost everywhere – the kidneys, thyroid gland, pancreas, sexual glands and, not least, the salivary gland.


What are the symptoms of mumps?






How does the doctor make the diagnosis?

Usually the doctor makes the diagnosis based on the symptoms.

What complications may arise?






However, should this happen, it has no effect on fertility. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is a recognised but uncommon complication.



However, it still requires close attention and special care of the patient. The symptoms of mumps-meningitis are:

  • headache
  • aversion to bright light
  • possible vomiting

How are mumps treated?





Who should be vaccinated?




In April 2013, following Measles outbreaks in Swansea, South Wales and other parts of the UK; the Government arranged a mass vaccination programme to try and catch the many thousands of children and adults who had not been vaccinated against Measles, Mumps and Rubella when originally scheduled.

This lack of herd immunity occurred as a result of research published in 1998, which purported to show a relationship between the MMR vaccine and an increased risk of subsequently going on to develop Autism.

This research has long since been discredited and a great deal of work done since then has shown no evidence that such a link exists.

Other people also read:

Paramyxovirus: how to avoid infection.

Orchitis: what does it feel like?

Pancreatitis: what does the pancreas do?

MMR vaccination: how does it work?

Based on a text by Dr Per Grinsted

Last updated 06.06.2013