Mumps
What is Mumps?
Mumps is a contagious viral disease that can cause swelling and soreness of the salivary glands (cheek and jaw area), along with a high temperature.
Who can get it?
Mumps can affect anyone at any age who has not had the disease or been immunised against it.
Most cases of Mumps now occur in young adults who have not had two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms are:
- Puffy cheeks/swollen jaw
- High temperature
- Pain in ear/jaw/chin especially when chewing
Other symptoms can include: loss of appetite, headache, muscle ache and tiredness
What is the treatment for Mumps?
There is no specific treatment. The best course of action is:
- Rest – stay home for at least 5 days after the onset of swollen glands. This gives you time to recover and avoids spreading the infection to others
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Over the counter medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce high temperature and relieve pain
Most people recover completely in a few weeks
What should I do if I think I have Mumps?
- Stay at home for at least 5 days after the onset of swollen glands
- Contact your GP to confirm diagnosis, but do not visit the surgery without prior arrangement
- Tell your PAT (Personal Academic Tutor) you will not be attending for a few days
- Notify studentlife@worc.ac.uk so that we can do our part in trying to reduce the spread
What can I do to reduce the risk of getting Mumps?
- The best protection against Mumps is two doses of the MMR Vaccine (usually given at age 2, and then a booster just before school). If you are concerned you may not have been vaccinated talk to your GP.
- Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue and then dispose of it in the bin
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Clean and disinfect surfaces
Where can I find out more about Mumps?
NHS England have information about the condition: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mumps/
Public Health England: PDF Leaflet
