From the Guidelines
Complications of mumps in adults are more common and severe than in children, with orchitis being a significant concern, affecting up to 38% of postpubertal men, although sterility is rare 1. The most serious complications of mumps are more common among adults than among children, as noted in a study published in 1998 by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 1.
Common Complications
- Orchitis: inflammation of the testicles, affecting about 20-30% of post-pubertal males with mumps, causing testicular pain, swelling, and in rare cases, fertility issues
- Oophoritis: ovarian inflammation, affecting about 5% of women with mumps
- Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas, occurring in approximately 4% of patients, causing abdominal pain and digestive issues
- Meningitis: inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, affecting up to 10% of mumps patients, presenting with headache, neck stiffness, and light sensitivity
- Encephalitis: inflammation of the brain, potentially life-threatening, although rare
- Hearing loss: either temporary or permanent, affecting about 4% of patients
Other Possible Complications
- Arthritis
- Thyroiditis
- Myocarditis
- Mastitis
- Nephritis Adults with mumps should receive supportive care, including rest, adequate hydration, and pain relievers, with severe complications potentially requiring hospitalization 1. Prevention through MMR vaccination remains the most effective strategy against mumps and its complications, as emphasized by the ACIP 1.
From the Research
Complications of Mumps in Adults
- Uncommon complications such as orchitis, oophoritis, deafness, pancreatitis, aseptic meningitis, and encephalitis occur more often in adults 2
- Orchitis and oophoritis can arise in adult men and women, respectively 3
- Other complications include deafness and pancreatitis 3
- Aseptic meningitis and encephalitis are common complications of mumps 3
Factors Contributing to Complications
- The lack of immunity in young adults is likely to be responsible for the increasing number of mumps cases 4
- Failure to maintain herd immunity in certain populations, particularly in affluent white communities, can lead to outbreaks of the disease 2
- The nature of the vaccine strains and the lack of regular stimulation of populations by circulating wild viruses may explain the decrease in immunity over time 5
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Clinical diagnosis can be based on the classic parotid swelling, however, this feature is not present in all cases of mumps and can also occur in various other disorders 3
- Laboratory diagnosis is based on isolation of virus, detection of viral nucleic acid, or serological confirmation (generally presence of IgM mumps antibodies) 3
- Treatment is generally supportive, with emphasis on proper isolation to prevent widespread outbreaks 6