Chubby cheeks, fever, and pain when chewing and swallowing: these are typical signs that your child might have mumps. Although mumps symptoms can be quite uncomfortable, the viral infection usually runs its course without complications in babies and young children. In this article, you’ll learn which other symptoms can indicate mumps, what the course of the illness typically looks like, and how you can protect your child.

How do you get mumps?

Mumps ( Epidemic parotitis ) is widespread worldwide. Although adults can also become infected, mumps most commonly occurs between the ages of four and fifteen. Boys are affected more often than girls. The viral illness is usually transmitted via a Droplet infection , for example through coughing or sneezing. The highly contagious virus is inhaled along with the droplets and settles on the mucous membranes in the throat and pharynx, as well as on the lymph nodes. There, it multiplies and eventually enters the bloodstream.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

If your child has contracted mumps, it can take up to two weeks for the first symptoms to appear. Fever , cough, and headaches can initially make you suspect a Flu . One or two days later, usually only then does one Salivary gland become inflamed; another one to three days later, the other may follow. The Inflammation can be very painful and cause the typical chubby “hamster cheeks” and protruding earlobes in your little explorer. However, it’s also possible for these mumps-typical symptoms to appear only mildly—or not at all. Especially in younger children under five years old, only a few or nonspecific symptoms often occur. In such cases, the disease may be mistaken for a harmless infection or not detected at all.

In some cases, the parotid gland as well as the submandibular and sublingual glands become inflamed. These are responsible for saliva production, which helps make food easier to swallow. When the glands become inflamed, Sore throat and Pain when chewing, swallowing, speaking, and moving the head can occur. Even if these symptoms are extremely uncomfortable for your little patient, mumps in childhood is usually harmless and generally resolves within three to eight days after the first symptoms appear. Once you have had mumps, you are immune for life.

What complications can occur with a mumps infection?

In 50 to 70 percent of cases, a mumps infection leads to complications, with the likelihood increasing significantly with age. The mumps virus can reach the central nervous system via the bloodstream or the lymph nodes and Inflammations of other glands and organs cause. A fairly common complication of mumps is meningitis, also known as Mumps Meningitis . In most cases, however, it goes largely unnoticed and is symptomatic in only five percent of cases. Signs of meningitis can include headaches, neck stiffness, and vomiting.

Additionally, a painful middle ear infection can occur, which, due to inflammation of the auditory nerve, can lead to temporary or permanent Hearing damage . After recovery, it is therefore strongly recommended that your child have a hearing test.

In male patients, the mumps virus can cause a painful inflammation of the testes ( Mumps Orchitis ). Here too, the probability increases with age: After puberty, up to 30 percent of men are affected. There is a risk that the sperm-producing cells may permanently regress, which can lead to infertility in the worst case. In girls and women, mumps can cause inflammation of the ovaries, but this complication occurs much less frequently. In the case of infection during early pregnancy, however, it can lead to a Miscarriage .

How can mumps be treated?

If you suspect that your child might have mumps, you should immediately contact your pediatrician . They are required to Report mumps to the health department and can determine whether your little explorer has actually contracted the virus. If your child’s cheeks swell due to the mumps virus, the diagnosis is usually clear. If the salivary gland does not become inflamed, a test for specific antibodies in the blood can help confirm the diagnosis.

Direct treatment for mumps is not possible, but you can do quite a bit to help Symptoms your child to hinder . Bed rest supports recovery and promotes healing; cool neck compresses can help relieve pain. Soft foods like soup don’t need to be chewed and are therefore easier to eat. Also, make sure your child drinks enough to compensate for fluid loss due to fever. In the case of high fever or severe pain, giving antipyretic medication may be advisable—but be sure to consult your pediatrician first. Even if the symptoms do not improve after a few days, or if pain occurs in other areas in addition to the typical sore throat, you should contact your pediatrician again.

Due to the high risk of infection, visits to daycare centers, kindergartens, and similar facilities are only permitted again after the symptoms have subsided, but no earlier than five days after they begin.

The MMR vaccination: How long does the mumps vaccine last?

Newborns are protected against mumps by so-called nest protection for up to six months after birth. After that, the MMR vaccination against mumps, measles, and rubella provides immunity against the disease. The combination vaccine is administered in two doses. Your child will receive the first vaccination between the 11th and 14th month of life, and the second at the earliest four weeks later, between the 15th and 23rd month of life. The vaccination is recommended by the second birthday. Unvaccinated adults who have not previously had mumps are also advised to catch up on immunization, as the course of the disease becomes more severe with increasing age. Mumps is contagious as early as one week before the first symptoms appear. People who are not (sufficiently) vaccinated or not immune through prior infection can get vaccinated within three days after contact with an infected person to possibly prevent infection.

The vaccination is well tolerated and, when completed in full, generally provides lifetime immunity . As side effects, the body’s immune responses—such as redness or swelling around the injection site—may occur. Since the MMR vaccine is a live vaccine, it can also, in one to two percent of cases, trigger a very mild form of mumps. This can lead to mild symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, fever, or swelling of the salivary glands. However, this is very rare, and the reactions usually subside within a few days. By the time of the preventive check-up U6, your pediatrician will inform you about the MMR vaccination and answer all your questions about the procedure and possible side effects.

In Germany, approximately 700 mumps cases are reported annually. Since humans are the only hosts for the mumps virus, it could be completely eradicated through consistent vaccination. Even though most young children tolerate mumps well, your little explorer can avoid the unpleasant effects of mumps with the MMR vaccine and is also protected against measles and rubella. We hope your child stays mumps-free, and we wish them a speedy recovery if they do catch the virus!