About a third of persons infected with the mumps virus have no symptoms. Symptoms usually start 18 days after infection with the virus, but the time can range from 12 to 25 days. Mumps can be diagnosed by a blood test or culture. Persons who have not been immunized against mumps are the main risk group. Unvaccinated school-aged children are most at risk.
Severe complications are rare.
Swelling of the testicles occurs in 15 percent to 25 percent of infected males. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Persons with mumps should drink plenty of fluids, get bed rest, and take medicine to control fever. Warm moist towels can help relieve the discomfort of the swelling. Children with mumps should be kept home from school or day care until 9 days after the swelling begins, or until the swelling goes away.