Mumps in children symptoms complications and the best methods of prevention and treatment

Mumps in children is a common viral illness that often worries parents, especially when swelling appears under the jaw and a fever develops. Although mumps usually improves within a few days, understanding how the infection spreads, its symptoms, and how to manage it at home is essential to protect your child and relieve symptoms quickly. In this Deli Medical article, we will cover everything you need to know about mumps in children: from how it spreads, to treatment with medications and natural remedies, and tips to prevent complications—helping your child stay comfortable and recover safely.

Mumps in Children

What is mumps in children?
Mumps, or parotitis, affects children due to the mumps virus, which spreads from an infected person to another through respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing, or by sharing personal items.

⚠️ Important: Since mumps is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective.
Fortunately, vaccinations have significantly reduced cases, and children usually receive the vaccine before starting school.

Can a child get mumps twice?
After a child has had mumps, it is very rare to get it again.
However, keeping your child up to date with vaccinations is the best way to ensure protection.

Is mumps dangerous?
Mumps is generally not dangerous and most children recover within a few days.
Rare complications may include:

Inflammation of the brain or meninges
Inflammation of the testicles in boys or ovaries in girls

Does mumps affect the reproductive system in boys?

After age 4, boys may develop orchitis (testicular inflammation).
Most cases recover without long-term effects on fertility.

Is mumps contagious before symptoms appear?
Yes, a child can be contagious 2 days before swelling appears and remains contagious for about 5 days after symptoms start.

Does mumps affect a child’s growth?
Usually not. Children recover without any impact on growth or physical development.

Causes of mumps in children and how it spreads

Mumps is caused by the paramyxovirus, which has an incubation period of about 16–18 days before symptoms appear.
The virus multiplies in the upper respiratory tract and spreads easily through:

Coughing or sneezing
Saliva droplets
Sharing personal items like toys or towels

Factors that increase the risk of mumps:

Not receiving the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) from ages 2 to 12.
Weak immunity due to long-term corticosteroid use or chemotherapy.
Living or traveling in areas with high mumps prevalence.

How does mumps spread?

An infected child is most contagious 1–2 days before symptoms and remains contagious for about 5 days after symptoms appear.
Infection spreads through contaminated saliva entering the mouth or nose.
Children who haven’t received the MMR vaccine can catch the virus easily if exposed to an infected person or contaminated objects.

✅ After infection, children usually become immune for life and rarely get mumps again.

Mumps and pregnancy: Does it affect the baby?

If a pregnant woman contracts mumps in the first 12 weeks, there may be a slightly higher risk of miscarriage, but it usually does not cause birth defects.
⚠️ Important notes:
Mumps vaccine should not be taken during pregnancy.
If planning pregnancy after vaccination, wait 4 weeks before conceiving.

When does parotid swelling disappear in children?

Swelling usually resolves within two weeks of symptom onset.
Children become non-contagious after 5 days from the start of symptoms.
Full recovery may take several weeks until all symptoms disappear.

History of mumps infection

Reports of mumps date back to ancient times.
The virus causing mumps was discovered in 1934.
By the 1970s, an effective vaccine was developed, leading to near elimination in countries that adopted it.
In the 21st century, cases still occur, especially among adolescents and young adults, due to weakened immunity or refusal to vaccinate.

Who is most at risk of mumps?

Children aged 5–9 years are most commonly affected.
Symptoms and complications are more common in males, and more severe in adolescents and adults.
In temperate climates, infections are more common in winter and spring, while tropical regions do not show clear seasonality.

High-risk groups include:

Individuals with weakened immune systems
International travelers
Unvaccinated individuals
People living in crowded or confined spaces

Symptoms of mumps in children

Symptoms usually appear 2–3 weeks after exposure and may include:

Pain and swelling in the parotid glands and jaw
Difficulty eating or speaking
Sometimes refusal to eat
Ear pain
Muscle aches
Headache and general fatigue
Fever

How do doctors diagnose mumps?

If you suspect your child has mumps, the doctor may perform:

1️⃣ Clinical Examination

Examining the salivary or parotid glands around the jaw to check for swelling and pain

2️⃣ Laboratory Tests

PCR Test: A swab is taken from the child’s cheek or throat to detect the virus.

Other tests: For confirmation, sometimes a urine sample is taken.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks red and white blood cells and platelets. May show lymphocyte elevation or low white blood cells.

Virus isolation: Mumps virus can be isolated from blood, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine.

Antibody tests: To check the body’s immune response to the virus.

Enzyme tests:

Amylase: Increases with mumps and rises further if the pancreas is affected.
Lipase: Increases if there is associated pancreatitis.

Complications of mumps in children

Although most children recover quickly, mumps can cause rare complications that require careful medical monitoring:

1️⃣ Pancreatitis

Sudden severe pain in the upper abdomen
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Elevated pancreatic enzymes in tests and temporary increase in urine sugar

2️⃣ Orchitis (Testicular Inflammation)

Affects males after puberty and rarely in children
Usually one-sided, with swelling, redness, and enlargement of the affected testicle
May be accompanied by nausea and vomiting
After swelling subsides, mild atrophy may occur, but infertility is rare

3️⃣ Oophoritis (Ovarian Inflammation)

Usually occurs in girls after puberty
Symptoms include fever and abdominal pain
Can be mistaken for appendicitis if the right ovary is affected

4️⃣ Meningitis and Encephalitis

Meningitis: More common than encephalitis; presents with fever, headache, and vomiting
Encephalitis: Often causes seizures and altered consciousness

5️⃣ Vestibulocochlear Nerve (Eighth Nerve) Inflammation

Usually one-sided
Symptoms: balance problems, hearing loss, and sometimes permanent deafness

6️⃣ Facial and Trigeminal Nerve Paralysis

Extremely rare complication

7️⃣ Other Rare Complications

Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
Hemolytic anemia with low platelets
Kidney problems

Mumps Treatment in Children with Medications

Mumps is caused by a virus, so there is no medication that kills the virus itself. However, medications can be used to relieve symptoms and support the child during recovery:

1️⃣ Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): To reduce pain and fever, dosed according to the child’s weight.
Ibuprofen: Another option to relieve pain and swelling; make sure the child has no stomach problems or allergies.
Aspirin is prohibited for children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

2️⃣ Antiviral Medications

There are no antiviral drugs that can cure mumps.
Treatment is supportive only, focused on easing symptoms.

3️⃣ Anti-Inflammatory Medications (in limited cases)

If swelling is very severe or complications occur, the doctor may prescribe short-term corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
This should only be done under direct medical supervision.

4️⃣ Symptom-Specific Medications

Antiemetics: If the child experiences nausea or vomiting, the doctor may prescribe a medication to control it.
Antihistamines: If a rash or itching appears, an antihistamine can help relieve symptoms.

Mumps Treatment in Children with Herbs and Natural Remedies

Although herbs cannot kill the mumps virus, they can help ease symptoms and provide greater comfort for the child:

1️⃣ Chamomile (Matricaria / Chamomile Tea)

Properties: Anti-inflammatory and calming.
Method: Brew chamomile tea and serve warm (small amounts for very young children), or use warm compresses on the face and jaw to reduce swelling and pain.

2️⃣ Ginger

Properties: Anti-inflammatory; helps reduce pain and fever.
Method: Serve mild ginger tea (small amount for children) or add a little to natural juices.

3️⃣ Honey with Lemon (for children over 1 year)

Properties: Soothes the throat and boosts immunity.
Method: Mix a small teaspoon of honey with the juice of a small lemon in warm water.

4️⃣ Warm Fluids and Soups

Helps keep the body hydrated and soothes throat inflammation or difficulty swallowing.
Examples: Chicken soup, natural juices, warm water.

5️⃣ Warm or Cold Compresses for the Jaw

Helps reduce swelling of painful glands and eases discomfort for the child.

Home Care for Children with Mumps

You can help your child recover from mumps at home by following these steps:

1️⃣ Complete Rest

Let your child rest on the bed or couch.
Limit daily activity as excessive movement can increase pain and fatigue.

2️⃣ Pain and Fever Relief

Use a mild pain reliever such as paracetamol according to the child’s weight.
⚠️ Do not give aspirin to children because it may cause serious complications.

3️⃣ Easy-to-Eat Foods

Soft and easy-to-chew foods, especially if the jaw is swollen or painful.
Plenty of fluids: water, natural juices, warm soups.

4️⃣ Cold Compresses

Apply cold compresses to the jaw area to reduce pain and swelling.

5️⃣ Prevent Complications

Monitor your child for any unusual symptoms such as:

Severe headache
Persistent vomiting
Swelling of the testicles in boys over 4 years old

If any serious symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.

6️⃣ Temporary Isolation

Mumps is highly contagious during the first 5 days of symptoms.
Keep the child away from other children to prevent the spread of infection.

Important Notes:

Most children improve within 7–10 days.
The majority recover fully without complications, but some cases may require medical follow-up.

Daily Schedule to Relieve Mumps Symptoms in Children

Time	Activity / Treatment	Details
Morning after waking up	Warm chamomile tea	Small cup for children, or a teaspoon for very young ones. Soothes glands and jaw.
	Drink enough water	1–2 cups depending on age to maintain hydration.
After breakfast	Warm compress on jaw	10 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.
	Light natural juice	Orange or apple juice without extra sugar to boost immunity.
Midday	Mild ginger tea	Small cup for children over 2 years, anti-inflammatory.
	Light meal	Soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes or yogurt.
Afternoon	Cold compress on jaw	5–10 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.
	Water or warm soup	Keeps the body hydrated.
Late afternoon	Chamomile or mild herbal tea	Small cup, soothing and reduces anxiety.
	Light snack	Mashed fruits or natural juices.
Before dinner	Warm compress on jaw	Reduces pain before bedtime.
	Natural juice or water	Maintains hydration.
Before bed	Honey with lemon (children over 1 year)	Small teaspoon in warm water, soothes throat and boosts immunity.
	Complete rest	Adequate sleep is crucial for supporting the immune system.

Additional Tips:

Let your child rest most of the time and limit physical activity.
Keep the child isolated from other children during the first days of infection.
Watch for complications such as:
- Very high fever that doesn’t subside
- Swelling of the testicles in older boys
- Severe headache or repeated vomiting