BACKGROUND: Mumps is a Paramyxoviridae virus. This disease was rampant prior to 
introduction of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, resulting in decreased 
incidence. This disease has demonstrated several outbreaks.
OBJECTIVE: This review provides a focused evaluation of mumps, an update on 
outbreaks, management recommendations, and ways to decrease transmission.
DISCUSSION: Clusters of mumps outbreaks continue to occur. The virus is a 
paramyxovirus, a single-stranded RNA virus. The vaccine can provide lifelong 
immunity if administered properly, though prior to 1967 and introduction of the 
vaccine, the virus was common. In the past decade, there have been several 
notable outbreaks. Humans are the only known hosts, with disease spread through 
exposure to droplets and saliva. Factors affecting transmission include age, 
compromised immunity, time of year, travel, and vaccination status. Upper 
respiratory symptoms, fever, and headache are common, with unilateral or 
bilateral parotitis, and the virus may spread to other systems. Diagnosis is 
clinical, though polymerase chain reaction and immunoglobulin testing are 
available. This review provides several recommendations for vaccine in 
pregnancy, patients living in close quarters, health care personnel, and those 
immunocompromised. Treatment is generally supportive, with emphasis on proper 
isolation to prevent widespread outbreaks. Although reporting regulations and 
procedures vary by state, mumps is reportable in most states.
CONCLUSIONS: Mumps is an easily spread virus. Although vaccination is the most 
effective way to prevent transmission, early recognition of the disease is 
crucial. As an emergency physician, it is important to recognize the clinical 
presentation, recommended testing, treatment, and isolation procedures.