The disease spreads when germs pass in the air from an infected person's coughing to the nose or throat of others. Up to 13,000 cases of mumps have been reported each year. More than 85 percent of the cases develop before the age of 15 and most occur between the ages of 6 and 10 years. The infected child is contagious a few days before the swelling begins and until the swelling is gone. The swelling lasts at least ten days after the first sign of inflammation.
Treatment is focused on relieving the child's discomfort.
Keep a glass of water or non-citrus juice next to the child. Give acetaminophen to control fever. Apply a warm or cold compress to the swollen gland for relief of pain. Feed soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Citrus fruits and drinks may sting the mouth.