Mumps in Children
What is mumps in children?
Mumps is a very contagious viral illness that infects the pair of salivary glands
in front of the ears. These are called the parotid glands. Symptoms of mumps include
swelling in the throat and jaw. Mumps usually occurs in childhood, but can occur at
any age. Cases of mumps in the U.S. happen much less often since the mumps vaccine
has been used.
What causes mumps in a child?
Mumps is spread by contact with fluids from the mouth, nose, and throat when an infected
child coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also live on surfaces like doorknobs,
eating utensils, and drinking cups. The virus is spread when another child uses these
items and then rubs their nose or mouth.
Which children are at risk for mumps?
A child is more at risk for mumps if they are around someone with mumps and haven't
had the mumps vaccine.
What are the symptoms of mumps in a child?
Symptoms usually take 2 to 3 weeks to appear after contact with the virus. Many children
have no symptoms, or very mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of mumps include:
The symptoms of mumps can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees
their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is mumps diagnosed in a child?
The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They
will give your child a physical exam. Your child may also have tests such as a saliva
or urine test to confirm the diagnosis.
How is mumps treated in a child?
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also
depend on how severe the condition is. Antibiotics are not used to treat this illness.
The goal of treatment is to help ease symptoms. Treatment may include:
Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about the risks, benefits, and possible
side effects of all medicines. Don't give ibuprofen to a child younger than 6 months
old unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Don't give aspirin to children.
Aspirin can cause a serious health condition called Reye syndrome.
What are possible complications of mumps in a child?
Complications of mumps occur more often in adults than in children. They can include:
-
Meningitis. This is inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. Most
children recover fully from this.
-
Encephalitis. This is inflammation of the brain. Most children also recover fully from this.
-
Orchitis. This is inflammation of the testicles. It causes pain of the testicles. In rare cases,
it may lead to infertility problems.
-
Mastitis. This is inflammation of breast tissue.
-
Oophoritis. This is inflammation of the ovaries. It may cause belly pain and vomiting.
-
Pancreatitis. This is inflammation of the pancreas.
-
Deafness. Loss of hearing can occ
How can I help prevent mumps in my child?
Protection against mumps is included in a combination vaccine for measles, mumps,
and rubella (MMR). MMR provides immunity for most people. Children who have had mumps
are immune for life.
The MMR vaccine is given in two doses. The first dose is given between ages 12 months
to 15 months. A second dose is given between ages 4 and 6. The second dose needs to
be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
To help prevent the spread of mumps to others:
-
Keep your child out of school or daycare until symptoms have gone away.
-
Check with your child's school or daycare about their vaccine practices. An infected
person can spread mumps anytime from a few days before their glands start to swell,
up to 5 days after the swelling begins. Check to see if the school or daycare restricts
access to people who haven't had mumps or a mumps vaccine.
-
Wash your hands well before and after caring for your child.
-
Teach your child when and how to correctly wash their hands. Wash hands with soap
and clean, running water. Wash for at least 20 seconds, which is about the same as
having your child sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
-
Make sure other household members wash their hands often, especially before eating.
Also make sure your child-care center encourages handwashing.
-
Have your child cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
-
Clean hard surfaces, toys, and doorknobs with a disinfectant.
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
Call the healthcare provider if your child has:
Key points about mumps in children
-
Mumps is a very contagious viral illness that infects the pair of salivary glands
in front of the ears.
-
An infected person can spread mumps anytime from a few days before their glands start
to swell, up to 5 days after the swelling begins.
-
Mumps is spread by contact with fluids from the mouth, nose, and throat when an infected
person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
-
Mumps can be prevented by vaccine. Protection against mumps is included in a combination
vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). MMR provides immunity for most people.
-
The most common symptoms of mumps include pain and swelling in the salivary glands,
especially in the jaw area. Other symptoms include trouble talking and chewing, earache,
and fever.
-
Keep your child out of school or daycare until symptoms have gone away. Wash your
hands well before and after caring for your child. Have your child cover their mouth
and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
-
Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
-
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
-
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
-
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child.
Also know what the side effects are.
-
Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
-
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
-
Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
-
If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose
for that visit.
-
Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important
if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.