Treatment for Mumps
Treatment for mumps is primarily supportive care as there is no specific antiviral therapy available. 1, 2
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
- Mumps presents with bilateral or unilateral parotitis (swelling of the parotid glands) in 30-40% of infections, occurring approximately 16-18 days after exposure 3, 4
- Parotitis may be preceded by prodromal symptoms including fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, and anorexia 3, 5
- 15-20% of infections are asymptomatic, while up to 50% present with nonspecific or primarily respiratory symptoms 3, 4
- Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical presentation plus laboratory confirmation via isolation of mumps virus, significant rise in serum mumps IgG antibody, or positive serologic test for mumps IgM antibody 1
Treatment Approach
Supportive Care
- Provide adequate hydration to prevent dehydration 1, 5
- Administer analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs for pain relief and fever reduction 1, 5
- Apply warm or cold compresses to the swollen parotid glands to relieve discomfort 5
- Recommend soft, bland foods and adequate fluid intake to minimize pain with chewing 5
- Avoid acidic foods or beverages that may stimulate saliva production and worsen pain 5
Management of Complications
Orchitis (inflammation of testes)
- Occurs in up to 38% of postpubertal males with mumps 3, 5
- Treatment includes bed rest, scrotal support, local cooling, and analgesics 6
- In severe cases, interferon alpha-2b may be considered specifically for mumps epididymo-orchitis 7
Aseptic Meningitis and Encephalitis
- Affects 4-6% of persons with clinical cases of mumps 3
- Management includes supportive care, pain control, and monitoring for neurological complications 4
Facial Nerve Palsy
- If facial weakness occurs, corticosteroid therapy may be initiated (prednisone 1-2 mg/kg/day for 5-7 days followed by a taper) 1
- Provide eye protection if facial weakness prevents complete eye closure 1
Infection Control Measures
- Isolate infected individuals for 5 days after the onset of parotitis to prevent spread 1, 5
- Implement droplet precautions in healthcare settings 1
- Identify and vaccinate susceptible contacts to limit spread during outbreaks 1
Prevention
- Vaccination with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the most effective prevention strategy 3, 4
- Two doses of MMR vaccine provide approximately 88% protection against mumps 1
- The principal strategy to prevent mumps is to achieve and maintain high immunization levels by routinely vaccinating all children with two doses of MMR 3