Mumps is usually diagnosed from the symptoms, in particular from the swelling around your parotid glands.
If you have mumps, your GP can see and feel the swelling. By looking inside your mouth, they may be able to see that your tonsils have been pushed out of their usual position.
If you have mumps you may also have a raised temperature, between around 37.5C and 39.5C (100F to 103F).
To confirm the diagnosis, particularly in a case where symptoms are severe or there are complications, a blood, urine or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test can be used. The CSF test or spinal tap involves taking a sample of the fluid that runs through your spine.
If you think that you or your child has mumps, visit your GP so that a diagnosis can be confirmed.
Read about treating mumps.
