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Mumps Symptoms in Adults | Signs & Complications

Mumps in adults causes swollen salivary glands, fever, and pain. Symptoms are often more severe than in children and complications are more common. Learn more now!

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Mumps in adults causes swollen salivary glands, fever, and pain. Symptoms are often more severe than in children and complications are more common. Learn more now!

Mumps in Adults – Overview

Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxovirus family. While mumps is often thought of as a childhood disease, adults can also become infected – especially if they lack sufficient vaccination protection. In adults, the disease often follows a more severe course and carries a higher risk of complications compared to children.

Causes and Transmission

The mumps virus spreads through droplet transmission, such as coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. Direct contact with contaminated saliva can also lead to infection. The incubation period is typically 16 to 18 days (range: 12 to 25 days). Infected individuals are contagious approximately 7 days before and up to 9 days after symptoms appear.

Symptoms in Adults

The symptoms of mumps in adults can vary. In some cases, the infection may be mild or even asymptomatic. However, typical signs include:

Early Symptoms (Prodromal Stage)

General malaise and fatigue
Fever (often up to 39 °C or higher)
Headache
Muscle aches (myalgia)
Loss of appetite

Main Symptoms

Swelling of the parotid glands (parotitis) – usually bilateral but can be one-sided. The swelling is tender and gives the face a characteristic puffy appearance.
Pain when chewing or swallowing
Earache or pain around the ears
Dry mouth due to reduced saliva production
Possible swelling of other salivary glands (e.g., submandibular or sublingual glands)

Complications in Adults

Adults are at significantly higher risk of serious complications compared to children:

Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles): Occurs in approximately 20–30% of adult male patients. It causes severe pain and swelling of one or both testicles and may, in rare cases, affect fertility.
Oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries): Can occur in women, causing lower abdominal pain.
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Presents with upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges): Occurs in approximately 1–10% of cases, with symptoms including headache, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light.
Encephalitis (brain inflammation): A rare but serious complication.
Hearing loss: Very rare, but possible as a result of inner ear damage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is often made clinically based on the characteristic presentation. The following tests may be used for confirmation:

Laboratory tests: Detection of mumps-specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) in blood
PCR testing: Detection of the virus in saliva, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid
Blood count: Often shows elevated inflammatory markers

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral therapy for mumps. Treatment is therefore symptomatic and supportive:

Physical rest and adequate sleep
Pain-relieving and fever-reducing medications (e.g., ibuprofen or paracetamol)
Cooling compresses applied to swollen glands
Adequate fluid intake
Soft, easy-to-chew foods
For orchitis: bed rest, elevation of the scrotum, and pain management
For severe complications: inpatient hospital treatment

Prevention – Vaccination

The most effective way to prevent mumps is vaccination. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is recommended by public health authorities worldwide. Adults without sufficient vaccination protection should consider getting vaccinated. Two doses provide reliable and long-lasting protection.

When to See a Doctor?

Adults who suspect they have mumps should seek medical advice promptly, especially if they experience:

High fever above 39 °C
Severe headache or neck stiffness
Testicular pain or swelling
Severe abdominal pain
Hearing problems

References

World Health Organization (WHO): Mumps. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mumps (2023)
Robert Koch Institut (RKI): Mumps – RKI-Ratgeber. Available at: https://www.rki.de (2024)
Hviid A, Rubin S, Muhlemann K: Mumps. The Lancet. 2008;371(9616):932–944.

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