Minh was initially diagnosed with salivary gland inflammation and treated with anti-inflammatory medication, but his condition did not improve. He then sought examination at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City.

Dr. Tran Thi Thu Thao, a pediatrician, reported that Minh was admitted with a fever, and his left testis was swollen, red, painful, and approximately 10x3 cm in size. The patient had inflammation of the epididymis and spermatic cord on the left side, accompanied by hydrocele and edema of both scrotal skin. Doctors diagnosed Minh with orchitis as a complication of mumps.

Doctors prescribed symptomatic treatment and advised monitoring the swelling and pain. Minh was scheduled for a follow-up appointment to assess the disease progression.

According to Dr. Thao, mumps is caused by a virus and typically leads to painful swelling of one or both parotid glands, often accompanied by fever. After entering the body, the virus can cause inflammation of the salivary glands and affect the testes, ovaries, pancreas, meninges, brain, and hearing. Among these, orchitis is a notable complication in males, particularly in adolescents.

Children with orchitis as a complication of mumps usually experience fever, scrotal pain, and swelling of one or both testes, with the scrotal skin appearing red or edematous. These symptoms in the genital area may appear after the initial parotid gland swelling subsides. When the swelling and pain in the parotid region begin to decrease, parents might mistakenly believe the child is recovering and overlook these abnormal signs.

Dr. Thao reviews Minh's ultrasound images to assess the injury and monitor disease progression. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Thao advises parents to ensure their children receive the full mumps vaccine to reduce the risk of contracting the disease and limit complications if infected with the virus.

Mumps spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact; therefore, infected children should limit contact with others. They should not share personal items and must follow infection prevention measures as instructed by medical personnel.

Phuong Dang

*Patient's name has been changed