Mumps

Mumps is a rare disease but there have been an increasing number appearing this year. As of November 5, 2016, 45 states and the District of Columbia in the U.S. reported mumps infections in 2,879 people to CDC. Six states have reported more than 100 cases this year: AR, IA, IN, IL, MA and OK.

(From the CDC) Mumps is best known for the puffy cheeks and swollen jaw that it causes. This is a result of swollen salivary glands.

The most common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Tiredness

• Loss of appetite

• Swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides (parotitis)

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

Some people who get mumps have very mild or no symptoms, and often they do not know they have the disease.

Most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks.

More information from CDC.

Reviewed 5/1/2024