What are the symptoms of mumps?

The most common symptoms are fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite followed by onset of parotitis (swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears-on one or both sides).

Are there complications of mumps?

The most common complication is the inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) in males who have reached puberty, but rarely does this lead to fertility problems.

Other rare complications include:

•· Inflammation of the brain and/or tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis/meningitis)

•· Inflammation of the ovaries (oophoritis) and/or breasts (mastitis) in females who have reached puberty

•· Spontaneous abortion particularly in early pregnancy (miscarriage)

•· Deafness, usually permanent

How soon do symptoms appear?

Symptoms typically appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12-25 after infection.

How is mumps spread?

Mumps is spread by mucus or droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs or sneezes. Surfaces of items (e.g. toys) can also spread the virus if someone who is sick touches them without washing their hands, and someone else then touches the same surface and then rubs their eyes, mouth, nose etc. (this is called fomite transmission).

How long is an infected person able to spread the disease?

The symptoms and signs of mumps are: 

• The first symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 days after exposure. It begins with fever and pain upon opening the mouth 

• About 1/3 of people have no symptoms. 

• Others can have swollen glands (swollen cheeks), headache, fever, and earache. 

• Sore muscles 

• Loss of appetite 

• Headache  

• Earache that is aggravated by chewing 

• In men and adolescent boys, swelling in one or both testes 

• Aversion to light, lethargy, and a stiff neck 

• Upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting 

• Lower abdominal pain in women 

• Temperature is moderately high, usually lasting for 3-4 days. 

• Eating or drinking acidic or citric foods causes much discomfort. 

• Other symptoms may include testicular pain (in males), seizures, stiff neck, and difficulty swallowing. 

• fatigue

• The mouth may feel dry.