Mumps
Mumps is an acute infection caused by the mumps virus (a paramyxovirus) that classically involves the salivary glands-most commonly the parotids. Widespread MMR immunisation has greatly reduced incidence, but cases (including in vaccinated individuals) and outbreaks still occur.
Management in the emergency department (ED) is mainly supportive, with early recognition and escalation for complications and prompt notification to public health (UKHSA Green Book).
Key facts (at a glance)
- Incubation: typically 12-25 days (UKHSA Green Book).
- Prodrome: fever, headache, myalgia, malaise and anorexia; parotid swelling commonly follows by approximately 48 hours.
- Parotitis: often unilateral at onset but becomes bilateral in most cases; swelling is firm, diffuse and painful, worse on chewing.
- Infectious period: includes days before and after parotid swelling; exclude from school/childcare until 5 days after onset of parotitis (GOV.UK A-Z).
- Common complications: orchitis (post‑pubertal males), oophoritis, aseptic meningitis/encephalitis, pancreatitis, myocarditis, and sensorineural hearing loss.
- Notification: mumps is notifiable in the UK-notify local Health Protection/UKHSA on suspicion and follow local specimen pathways (do not wait for confirmation).
Clinical features
Presentation
- Prodrome of systemic viral symptoms for approximately 48 hours before gland swelling.
- Parotid swelling presents as pre‑auricular/angle of mandible enlargement, usually non‑fluctuant unless complicated by abscess.