Understanding Mumps in Adults: Symptoms, Complications, and Prevention
A comprehensive guide to the causes, symptoms, risks, treatment, and prevention of mumps infection in adults.
Understanding Mumps in Adults
Mumps is an acute, contagious viral infection best known for causing painful swelling of the salivary glands. While it is often associated with childhood, mumps can affect adults and, in many cases, can lead to more severe complications. With recent outbreaks still occurring and increased rates among unvaccinated populations, staying informed about the risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies is important for adult health.
What Is Mumps?
Mumps is an illness caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus family. It primarily targets the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands located near the ears, leading to the characteristic swelling. However, the virus can affect many other parts of the body and is spread through infected saliva and respiratory droplets by talking, coughing, sneezing, or sharing utensils.
- Mumps is much less common today due to widespread vaccination, but cases still occur among adults, especially those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.
- The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) is typically 12 to 25 days.
- Adults who contract mumps are at a higher risk of experiencing serious complications compared to children.
How Does Mumps Spread?
The virus is highly contagious even before symptoms appear. It spreads primarily via droplets of saliva or mucus:
- Close contact such as talking, coughing, sneezing, or kissing
- Sharing eating utensils, cups, or water bottles
- Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your face
People with mumps are contagious from up to 7 days before until around 9 days after the salivary glands swell.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can contract mumps, certain groups are at greater risk:
- Adults who have never received the MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella vaccine) or received only one dose
- Individuals in community settings, such as colleges, military barracks, and healthcare facilities
- People traveling to or living in areas with ongoing mumps outbreaks
Mumps Symptoms in Adults
Mumps symptoms can be mild or even absent in up to 40% of cases, but when symptoms do occur, they typically develop 12 to 25 days after exposure:
- Painful, swollen salivary glands (parotitis) on one or both sides of the face (but this is seen in fewer than 50% of cases)
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Loss of appetite
- Pain while chewing or swallowing
- Pain and tenderness in the affected glands, especially near the jawline
Symptoms may last about 7-10 days. Notably, mumps may be mistaken for the flu due to the similarity of early symptoms.
Time Course of Symptoms
- Symptoms typically start 2-3 weeks after exposure.
- Swelling and pain in the parotid glands usually appears after initial general symptoms, such as fever and headache.
- Contagious spread is highest 1-2 days before gland swelling begins, but people remain contagious up to 5-9 days afterwards.
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Mumps Diagnosis
Diagnosing mumps involves a review of symptoms and physical examination by a healthcare provider. Because salivary gland swelling is less common and symptoms can be non-specific, laboratory confirmation may be needed:
- Buccal swab or Throat swab: Detects mumps virus genetic material.
- Blood or urine tests: Identify antibodies or the virus directly.
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): In cases with suspected complications involving the central nervous system, such as meningitis.
Complications of Mumps in Adults
While many adults recover from mumps without long-term sequelae, they are more likely than children to develop complications. Some are potentially serious and warrant prompt medical attention.
| Complication | Description | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Orchitis | Inflammation of one or both testicles; can cause pain, swelling, and, rarely, infertility | Common in post-pubertal males |
| Oophoritis & Mastitis | Inflammation of the ovaries and/or breast tissue in females. Can cause pain and tenderness. | Mainly in adult women |
| Pancreatitis | Inflammation of the pancreas, causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting | Less common, but serious |
| Meningitis | Infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord | Rare but more likely in adults |
| Encephalitis | Inflammation of the brain, can cause neurological symptoms and be life-threatening | Very rare |
| Hearing Loss | Permanent hearing loss in one or both ears | Rare |
| Miscarriage | Mumps infection in early pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth | Pregnant women |
| Heart Complications | Rarely, mumps can cause myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or arrhythmias | Very rare |
Most complications can be managed without long-term effects, but rare consequences like infertility or hearing loss can be permanent.
Treatment of Mumps in Adults
There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps; care focuses on relieving symptoms while the body fights the virus. Most people recover within two weeks, but it is important to manage the illness appropriately to reduce discomfort and avoid complications.
- Rest in bed and reduce physical activity
- Isolate from others to prevent spread (especially important in the first 5 days after salivary gland swelling starts)
- Apply cold or warm compresses to swollen glands
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce pain and fever
- Avoid giving aspirin to children; doing so can cause Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal condition
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Eat soft, non-acidic foods; avoid foods and drinks that are spicy or sour, as these stimulate saliva and can worsen pain
- Practice good oral hygiene and gentle care of the mouth
When to See a Doctor
- Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
- High fever that does not improve
- Testicular or ovarian pain and swelling
- Confusion, stiff neck, headache, or seizures
- Hearing problems or loss of balance
- Pregnancy and exposure to mumps
How Can Mumps Be Prevented?
The most effective way to prevent mumps is through vaccination. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection against all three diseases and is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule.
MMR Vaccine Schedule
- First dose: at 12-15 months of age
- Second dose: at 4-6 years of age (but can be given sooner, as long as 28 days pass between doses)
Adults who do not have evidence of immunity (either through prior vaccination or confirmed past illness) should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Those at higher risk (college students, healthcare workers, people traveling internationally) should receive two doses.
In outbreak settings, an additional (third) dose may be recommended for high-risk populations.
Other Preventive Measures
- Practice regular handwashing with soap and water
- Avoid sharing drinks, eating utensils, or personal items with others
- Use tissues or the elbow to cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home when ill to prevent spreading infection
Prognosis
Most adults recover completely from mumps after several weeks of supportive care. However, because adults face a higher risk of complications, seeking medical advice early is important if symptoms worsen or if high-risk situations (such as pregnancy or immunosuppression) apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can adults get mumps if they had it as a child?
A: Once you’ve had mumps, you are generally considered immune and unlikely to contract it again. However, immunity from vaccination or past infection is not always absolute, so rare reinfections can occur, especially if immunity has waned.
Q: Is mumps in adults more dangerous than in children?
A: Yes, adults are at greater risk for complications such as orchitis, meningitis, pancreatitis, and hearing loss. While most complications resolve, some can be severe or permanent.
Q: Should previously vaccinated adults get the MMR vaccine again?
A: Adults who received only one dose of MMR as children or are in a high-risk group may benefit from another dose. Talk to your healthcare provider for individualized recommendations, especially during outbreaks.
Q: What should I do if I’m exposed to someone with mumps?
A: If you are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, contact a healthcare provider promptly. MMR vaccination after exposure may provide some protection or lessen disease severity. Stay alert for symptoms for 25 days and avoid contact with high-risk individuals.
Q: How long is someone with mumps contagious?
A: People with mumps are most contagious from up to 7 days before symptoms start until at least 5–9 days after gland swelling begins. The highest risk of spread is 1–2 days before swelling appears.
Key Takeaways
- Mumps is not just a childhood disease; adults are vulnerable and more prone to complications.
- Vaccination is the single most effective preventive measure and is recommended for all individuals lacking evidence of immunity.
- Early detection and supportive care reduce risk of complications and transmission to others.
- Practice good hygiene, stay home when sick, and consult a healthcare provider if you suspect mumps.
By understanding the risks, recognizing symptoms, and staying up to date on vaccinations, adults can minimize their chances of contracting or spreading mumps and reduce the burden of complications within the community.
References
- https://www.medicinenet.com/how_serious_are_mumps_in_adults/article.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/after-puberty-man-mumps
- https://www.nvic.org/disease-vaccine/mumps/what-is
- https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_ABX_Guide/540356/all/Mumps
- https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_ABX_Guide/540418/all/Parotitis
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