Mumps: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment 2026

Just a few weeks ago we learned that the Asturias Health Department was studying possible cases of mumps (also known medically as parotitis) in adolescents belonging to several schools in the Principality, after having received a total of three medical notifications of mumps, one of which was of school age.

On the other hand, in the same week we also knew of the existence of other mumps outbreaks, this time in two towns in the province of Huesca. On this occasion, according to the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin of Aragon, so far the outbreak had affected thirteen people, who were between 19 and 33 years old.

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We must remember that last year, around the month of April, a health notice was issued due to the record of new outbreaks of mumps for a few years, although medical experts were clear in this sense, indicating that "there is no cause for concern", as it is effectively a "benign disease without any consequences."

And, as specialists believe, for about 7 or 8 years at the beginning of spring, new outbreaks of mumps have been recorded, which tend to be caused by incomplete immunization by adults, since at the time they received vaccines with viruses that were not really very effective, or they did not receive the two recommended doses (and indicated from a medical point of view).

What is mumps?

Salivary glands, also known as parotid glands, are glands responsible for the production of saliva. On each side of the face we have three sets of salivary glands, located both behind and below the ears.

When we get mumps (oparotitis), the salivary glands become inflamed, in fact becoming one of the most characteristic symptoms of the disease. It is a contagious disease caused by a virus, which tends to pass from one person to another through saliva, nasal secretions and close personal contact.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

After having been exposed to the virus, and especially when there is no type of natural immunity against it (for example, because it is the first time we are exposed to it), symptoms tend to appear within the following two weeks.

They tend to be flu-like, and the first ones to appear include:

• Tiredness, discomfort and fatigue.
• Low fever.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.

Then, the body temperature begins to rise (high fever), and a few days later the salivary glands begin to swell or become inflamed. The most common thing is that they become swollen and painful, but periodically.

How is it treated? Some useful tips

As it is a viral infection (caused, therefore, by a virus), the disease does not respond to antibiotics, nor to any other medication. This does not mean that the doctor cannot prescribe certain drugs in order to relieve and treat the symptoms, such as, for example, painkillers, which are useful for reducing fever.

On the other hand, there are some simple tips that can be very helpful while the illness passes:

• Rest, especially when the affected person feels tired, fatigued or weak.
• To avoid dehydration as a result of fever, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids.
• Swollen glands, especially when they are painful, can be relieved with the help of cold compresses or cloths.
• Follow a soft diet, especially opting for foods that are easy to eat, since chewing can become extremely painful when the salivary glands are inflamed.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks, as they will only increase the pain in the parotid glands.

Why do mumps outbreaks occur every year, and why are cases on the rise?

We must keep in mind that the majority of new cases recorded each year are among adolescents and older adults, usually between the ages of 19 and 33. And, specifically, some cases among children, particularly among those who have not yet been vaccinated, or who due to age have not yet been able to receive the second dose.

Although it is true that the majority of adults do not suffer from mumps because they have already had the disease in childhood (and, therefore, are naturally immunized), in some situations three circumstances have occurred: that they did not have the disease in childhood and it is the first time they have been infected; that they were vaccinated but with viruses that were not very effective; or that they did not receive the indicated doses.

According to the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), it is known that the mumps vaccine that was given in the nineties, within the triple viral vaccine - mumps, rubella and measles -, technically known under the name of the Rubini strain, was actually less immunogenic, which means that it produced a lower immune response from the body. However, it was commonly used because it caused practically no adverse reactions. However, from the moment it was discovered that its immunogenic power was not very powerful, it was decided to withdraw it for the current one.

The mumps vaccine

The Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) recommends vaccination of all children with 2 doses of triple viral vaccine, which includes - in fact - mumps among its components; Furthermore, they propose starting vaccination at 12 months of age, and then administering the second dose between 3 and 4 years of age. This is the recommended guideline in all children's calendars in our country.

The one known as the MMR vaccine (MMR) is a type of vaccine associated with the components of both rubella and mumps.

Although there is also the tetraviral vaccine (SRPV), which also contains the necessary component against chickenpox. Not in vain, this last vaccine is recommended for the second dose (that is, the one administered between 3-4 years), so a puncture would be avoided.

Therefore, the vaccine recommendation is “universal” among children. While the majority of adults are usually immunized against the virus due to having had the disease at some point in childhood.