The mumps virus is a type of paramyxovirus. The virus core contains single-stranded RNA (ribonucleic acid). Exposure to heat, ultraviolet light, formalin, ether, and chloroform can inactivate the mumps virus.¹

The mumps virus is contagious and acquired by respiratory droplets. Mumps transmission occurs when the saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person contacts another individual by²:

• Sneezing, coughing, or talking
• Sharing cups or cutlery
• Touching surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others

Mumps is most infectious in the several days before and after parotitis onset.¹

Once a person is infected, the mumps virus replicates in the nasopharynx and regional lymph nodes.¹

As with most viral infections, pathogenesis and clinical features usually present in phases: incubation phase, viremia phase, and prodromal phase.

General Clinical Phases of the Mumps Infection¹

The most common manifestation of the disease is parotitis, occurring in 31%–65% of patients of all ages. The inflammation may affect 1 or both of the parotid gland(s) and may also affect 1 or multiple salivary glands. First signs and symptoms include earache and tenderness in glands along the jaw line. Symptoms decrease a week after onset and may subside 10 days thereafter.¹

In the prevaccine era, common complications of mumps included orchitis, asceptic meningitis, and pancreatitis. In the postvaccine era, most complications have been less than 1%.¹

It is highly recommended to take samples from patients that are suspected to be infected by the mumps virus. A mumps diagnosis can be made from the parotid duct, affected salivary gland ducts, throat, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. The preferred sample is a swab from the parotid gland duct or affected salivary gland duct. Samples should be taken within 3–8 days from the onset of parotitis onset.¹