What is Mumps?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, part of the paramyxovirus family. It most commonly affects children and young adults, especially in unvaccinated populations.
While best known for causing painful swelling of the parotid glands, mumps can lead to serious complications, many of which are remembered easily using the mnemonic SOAP.
Transmission and Epidemiology
Transmission:
- Spread via respiratory droplets
- Infectious 1–2 days before and 5 days after parotid swelling
- High transmissibility in school, college, and dormitory settings
Global Stats:
- Incidence significantly dropped post-MMR vaccination
- Outbreaks still occur in under-immunized clusters
Signs and Symptoms of Mumps
- Fever (typically low to moderate)
- Swelling and tenderness of parotid glands (unilateral or bilateral)
- Pain when chewing or swallowing
- Headache and malaise
- Earache
- In some cases, subclinical presentation (especially in vaccinated individuals)
SOAP Mnemonic for Mumps Complications
| Letter | Complication | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| S | Salpingitis | Fallopian tube inflammation, may mimic appendicitis |
| O | Orchitis / Oophoritis | Testicular or ovarian inflammation |
| A | Aseptic meningitis | Viral CNS involvement without pus |
| P | Pancreatitis | Inflammation of pancreas causing abdominal pain |
This SOAP mnemonic simplifies recall of the most tested and clinically relevant mumps complications.
S – Salpingitis
What is it?
- Inflammation of the fallopian tubes due to viral spread
Occurrence:
- More common in postpubertal females
- Can resemble pelvic inflammatory disease
Symptoms:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Vaginal discharge
- Fever
Management:
- Supportive care
- Rule out bacterial superinfection
O – Orchitis / Oophoritis
Orchitis (in males):
- Occurs in 20-30% of postpubertal males with mumps
- Typically unilateral, develops 4–8 days after parotitis
- May cause testicular atrophy or infertility
Oophoritis (in females):
- Rare, but can cause abdominal pain and mimic appendicitis
Management:
- Bed rest
- Scrotal elevation
- Analgesics and ice packs
A – Aseptic Meningitis
Definition:
- Viral inflammation of the meninges without purulent CSF
Occurrence:
- Occurs in up to 10% of mumps cases
- More common in males
CSF Findings:
- Elevated lymphocytes
- Normal to low glucose
- Elevated protein
Management:
- Hospitalization if altered mental status
- Supportive care, hydration, antipyretics
P – Pancreatitis
Complication:
- Acute viral pancreatitis, usually mild and self-limiting
Symptoms:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Epigastric pain radiating to back
- Elevated serum amylase or lipase
Care:
- NPO status, IV fluids, analgesia
- Monitor for complications like pseudocysts
How to Diagnose Mumps Clinically and Lab-Wise
Clinical Diagnosis:
- Classic bilateral parotid gland swelling
- Recent exposure or no MMR vaccination history
Lab Confirmation:
- IgM serology or rising IgG titers
- RT-PCR from buccal swab or saliva
- Elevated amylase (salivary isoenzyme)
Differential Diagnoses to Consider
- Parotitis due to bacterial infection
- HIV parotid gland involvement
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Pancreatitis from gallstones or alcohol
Mumps in Children vs Adults: What’s Different?
| Feature | Children | Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Gland Swelling | More common | Present, but often unilateral |
| Orchitis | Rare | Common (20–30% of males) |
| Meningitis | Rare | Possible, higher risk in males |
| Severity | Mild, self-limiting | More severe and complication-prone |
Vaccination and Prevention Strategies
- MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Two doses offer ~88% protection
- Herd immunity threshold ~90–95%
- Avoid close contact during outbreaks
- Post-exposure prophylaxis not effective
Case Study: Complicated Mumps in an Adolescent Male
Patient: 17-year-old male, unvaccinated
Symptoms: Fever, left-sided parotid swelling → 5 days later → painful testicular swelling
Diagnosis: Mumps orchitis confirmed via clinical exam + IgM
Treatment: NSAIDs, bed rest, cold compress
Outcome: Full recovery, no fertility issues
Learning Point: Delay between parotitis and orchitis is a classic mumps timeline.
Public Health Importance of Mumps Surveillance
- Mumps is not eradicated, and outbreaks still occur
- Mandatory notifiable disease in most countries
- Vaccine refusal = resurgence in college campuses
- Serosurveillance helps track waning immunity
Student Mnemonics Recap and Summary Table
Mnemonic: SOAP
- S – Salpingitis
- O – Orchitis/Oophoritis
- A – Aseptic meningitis
- P – Pancreatitis
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Organism | Mumps virus (Paramyxoviridae) |
| Transmission | Respiratory droplets |
| Vaccine | MMR (live-attenuated) |
| Classic Triad | Fever, Parotid swelling, Pain |
| Key Complications | SOAP |
FAQs
Q1: Can mumps cause infertility?
A: Yes, particularly in males with bilateral orchitis, but it’s uncommon.
Q2: Is mumps still common?
A: Rare in vaccinated populations, but outbreaks happen in unvaccinated groups.
Q3: Can you get mumps twice?
A: Reinfection is rare but possible with waning immunity.
Q4: What is the treatment for mumps?
A: Supportive only – no specific antiviral therapy.
Q5: Is the MMR vaccine safe?
A: Yes. Side effects are minimal, and it offers long-lasting protection.
