Mumps Explained to Africans (With Prevention Tips) 

Isma Butt, DPT, DLHA Volunteer and Freelance Medical Writer. Medically reviewed by A. Odutola, MB,BS, PhD

Close-up of the left-side of the face of an African girl with insert showing the location of the parotid gland, which is a common site for the mumps virus attack. In the foreground is also a 3D ilustration of the mumps virus. Photo credit. Freepik. Image design © DatelinehealthAfrica Inc. 2025.

 

Highlights

• Mumps is a viral, contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands and is commonly observed in children.

• The disease is transmitted by saliva and respiratory droplets. Infected individuals are contagious 2 days before to 9 days after the swelling.

• Vaccination is the only method to prevent mumps and its complications.

• Outbreaks are best managed by early diagnosis, supportive care, and awareness in the community.

 

Introduction

Imagine waking up with a swollen jaw, fever, and feeling too tired to leave your bed. It may seem like a toothache to you. Or, have you seen children with their cheeks puffed up, like little hamsters? It may look cute, but it could signal a more serious condition known as mumps.

Many believe it is an old childhood disease, yet mumps still affects thousands of people worldwide each year.

It is a contagious virus (a special kind of germ) that spreads easily and attacks various parts of the body if not properly managed. Even though vaccines against mumps are available, outbreaks still occur especially in low income countries, highlighting the need to raise awareness about the disease and educate the public.

This article will explain all you need to know about mumps and highlight ways that you and your loved ones can stay free of the disease.

 

What is Mumps?

Mumps is an infectious disease caused by a specific germ called the mumps virus. It belongs to the family of viruses called paramyxoviruses. It is most notably associated with swelling of the salivary glands, specifically the parotid glands located near the ears (see fig. 1). 

Fig. 1: Close-up view of the left face of an African girl with an insert showing the location of the parotid gland. Photo credit. Freepik. Image design © DatelinehealthAfrica Inc. 2025

 

Salivary glands produce a clear, watery fluid into your mouth, called saliva. This helps to keep your mouth from drying up, mix food for chewing and swallowing, as well as protect teeth from infection. When these glands become enlarged, it results in the characteristic "hamster face” appearance and a tender jaw (see fig. 2). 

Fig. 2: Caricature of ahuman “hamster face” appearance in mumps side by side with a hamster for comparison. Image design: © DatelinehealthAfrica Inc. 2025

 

Children aged 2-9 are mostly affected, though adolescents and adults can get mumps too. 

 

How Common is Mumps in Africa?

Mumps continues to be an issue in most African countries, especially where mumps vaccination is not included in the routine immunization schedule. The low rates of vaccination may cause outbreaks in the community. In certain areas, the availability of the vaccine is limited to private clinics, thus making it harder to protect the entire population.

Ghana witnessed a 140% increase in mumps cases from 2021 to 2022. Since the country does not include mumps in its childhood immunization program, frequent outbreaks occur every 4-5 years at a rate of 1000 cases per million.

Similarly, low vaccine coverage results in outbreaks in Zimbabwe. A 2024 study highlights the importance of universal MMR immunizations. Both countries show the dangers of uncontrolled mumps transmission. This situation can be managed by improving access to vaccines and creating awareness of mumps to prevent outbreaks. 

 

How Does Mumps Spread?

The mumps virus is spread by close contact with an infected person. Close contact can be:

• Inhaling droplets from a cough or sneeze.
• Sharing cups, utensils, and towels with an infected person.
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose.

When are people contagious?

Fig. 3: Info-poster showing when you can catch mumps from an infected person  © DatelinehealthAfrica Inc. 2025. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Since the mumps virus spreads easily, it can move through families, schools, and crowded places quickly. People with mumps can spread the virus approximately two days before their glands swell and for up to five days after Fig. 3). This means a person can be contagious before they feel sick. Therefore, the WHO recommends that mumps patients be isolated for 5 days after swelling of the glands.

 

Who is at Risk of Catching Mumps?

• Anyone who is not vaccinated or has never had mumps in childhood is at risk. 

• Children with weakened immune systems have a higher likelihood of severe infections if they contract mumps. 

• People living or working in crowded settings such as schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities are at a higher risk.

• People traveling to areas where mumps is common are also vulnerable.

• Vaccinated people sometimes get infected, but their symptoms are usually mild and less likely to cause complications.

 

What are the Symptoms of Mumps?

Info  poster of the symptoms of mumps. Credit: Adapted from here. Click on the image to enlarge.

 

Symptoms vary from mild to severe and generally appear about 2 to 3 weeks after you catch the virus, which is known as the incubation period. The average incubation period is about 17 days. Some people experience no symptoms at all, while others may feel very sick. Common signs include:

• Swollen, painful jaw or cheeks (usually one or both sides)
• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches
• Ear and jaw pain, especially while chewing
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing

How Long Does Mumps Symptoms Last?

The majority of individuals recover within two weeks. Swelling and pain tend to reach their worst within 1 to 3 days and then gradually disappear. After swelling starts, you remain contagious for about five days. It is essential to avoid contact with others during this period to reduce the transmission of the virus. 

 

What are the Complications of Mumps?

Mumps tends to be mild, particularly in children. However, it may lead to severe complications among teens and adults who are not vaccinated. The complications occur when the virus spreads to other tissues in the body. The following are some of the potential complications:

• Orchitis: It is the painful swelling of the testicles in males (20% of young adults) after puberty. An inflamed testicle might shrink in size and could affect fertility.

• Oophoritis: Swelling of the ovaries can cause pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It is more common after puberty and generally does not impact fertility.  

• Meningitis: It is the swelling of the lining that covers both the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include headaches, fever, and a stiff neck. Mumps-related meningitis rarely causes lasting issues.

• Encephalitis: It is the swelling of the brain itself, which can damage tissues and lead to altered consciousness, seizures, and loss of muscle control.  

• Pancreatitis: Mumps can inflame the pancreas, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.  

• Hearing loss: This complication may occur suddenly or develop gradually, although hearing typically improves after recovery. 

• Miscarriage. Contracting mumps during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage.

 

How is Mumps Diagnosed?

Doctors normally diagnose mumps through symptoms and physical examination. An important indicator is the swollen salivary glands. At times, doctors can order tests, including:

• Swabbing the inside of the cheek and throat to detect the virus.
• A blood test to check for the antibodies.
• Imaging tests are performed if further complications are suspected.

If you come in contact with someone with mumps, inform your doctor. Early diagnosis helps prevent the spread and allows for proper care.

 

How is Mumps Treated?

There is no particular medication to cure mumps. The treatment aims to make you feel comfortable as your body fights against the virus. Steps you should take to aid recovery and lessen the symptoms include:

• Rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids 
• Eat soft foods that can be chewed easily
• Apply ice packs or warm clothes to swollen areas to relieve pain.
• Use non-prescription pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (do not administer aspirin to a child due to viral illness).
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks that make your mouth water.
• Stay at home to avoid the spread of the virus.

Most people recover fully with supportive care in 3 to 10 days. If complications occur, additional treatment is provided.

 

Tips for Preventing Mumps and Protecting Your Family

How to prevent mumps and protect your family. Credit: Adapted from here. Click on image to enlarge.

 

1. Vaccination

Getting yourself vaccinated is the best way to prevent mumps. The mumps vaccine is usually given as part of the MMR vaccine, which also protects against measles and rubella. Children are supposed to get two doses of the MMR vaccine:

• One at 12-15 months
• Second, at 4-6 years of age

Adults who are not vaccinated or are unsure should consult their doctor and discuss their options.

Why is Vaccination important?

• It is safe and effective.
• Vaccination has reduced the incidence of mumps by 99% in countries where it is widely used.
• Even if you get mumps after vaccination, you tend to have milder symptoms and less severe complications.

2. Know the Symptoms

• Awareness of the early symptoms of mumps (if present) helps you to self-isolate and get professional help in good time for the care that you or your loved one needs.

3. Others

• Wash your hands with soap regularly.
• Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. Use towels or tissues; if both are unavailable, use your elbow.
• Avoid sharing your utensils or towels with someone who is sick.
• Always clean the surfaces that people often touch, such as tables, door handles, etc.
• Stay at home if you feel sick, especially if you have swollen cheeks.

 

When to See a Doctor?

Call your doctor if you or your children have:

• High fever (over 39⁰C? / 103⁰F)
• Pain or swelling in the jaw or cheek
• Trouble eating or drinking
• Stomach pain
• Headache or confusion
• Pain and swelling in the testicles

 

Conclusion

Mumps is a highly contagious disease that may result in pain, swelling, and even some severe health issues. Vaccination is the most effective form of protection for you and your family. The majority of individuals recover completely; however, it is important to know the symptoms, stay at home when unwell, and visit a doctor for serious symptoms. You can assist in preventing the transmission of the mumps in your community by keeping yourself updated and taking easy measures.

 

Sources:

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Mumps Risk Communication and Community Engagement Guidance. [internet. n.d]. Cited July 16, 2025. Available from here

2. Gwinji PT, Murewanhema G, Moyo E, Dzinamarira T. Mumps outbreak in Zimbabwe: The case for universal MMR vaccination in Africa. Vaccine X. 2024 Nov 17;21:100586. doi: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100586. Available from here

3. Marion Okoh-Owusu et al Against the clock: Effect of late detection of a mumps outbreak in the Western North Region of Ghana, 2022. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8:13. doi: 10.37432/jieph-d-24-02036. Available from here

4. CDC. Mumps.[internet.]. 2025 July 11. Cited July 16, 2025. Available from here

5. Cleveland Clinic. Mumps prevention. [internet,n.d]. Cited July 16, 2025. Available from here

6. NHS.UK. Mumps. [internet,n.d]. Cited July 16, 2025. Available from here

7. Mediclinic. Mumps. [internet,n.d]. Cited July 16, 2025. Available from here 

8. Mayoclinic. Mumps symptoms. [internet,n.d]. Cited July 16, 2025. Available from here

 

 

Published:  July 21, 2025

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