What is Mumps?

Introduction of Mumps:

A virus causes the widespread illness known as mumps. It may result in painful parotid salivary gland enlargement (parotitis). The goal of mumps treatment is to reduce symptoms. The illness must progress. The majority of symptoms are minor, but grave consequences might develop. The MMR vaccine provides defense against the mumps virus.

 What is Mumps?

OVERVIEW

What is Mumps?

The mumps virus, a member of the paramyxovirus family of viruses, is what causes the widespread illness known as mumps. Mild symptoms, such as a headache, fever, and exhaustion, mark the beginning of the sickness. But after that, it results in parotitis, a severe swelling of some salivary glands that results in swollen, sore jaws and puffed-up cheeks.

 

It used to be common for children to contract mumps. When the mumps vaccination became available in 1967, the incidence of infections decreased. Mumps outbreaks do still happen, particularly in groups of people who have frequent close contact, such as on college campuses.

 

By ensuring your child receives the MMR vaccine, you can protect them from measles, mumps, and rubella. Despite the fact that mumps is a benign illness, grave complications can happen.

The mumps impact who?

Children without the mumps vaccine, between the ages of 2 and 12, are most affected by mumps. Teenagers and adults can still contract the mumps even after receiving a vaccination. This happens as a result of the vaccine's immunity diminishing over time. Still, getting a complete vaccination series is the best defense against mumps infection.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

Initial measles symptoms are minimal. Many people are infected yet have no symptoms or even know it. Symptoms also take time to manifest. Between seven and 25 days pass during the incubation phase (the interval between an infection and a disease).

Mild signs of measles can include: 

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• decrease in appetite

Your parotid glands may enlarge a few days afterward. Salivary glands called parotid glands are situated between your ears and jaw. Parotitis, or mouth inflammation, can affect one or both sides of your face. This typical mumps symptom resembles "chipmunk cheeks" because your cheeks swell and your jaw enlarges. In more than 70% of mumps cases, parotitis develops.

It's crucial to keep in mind that many viruses and bacteria might result in parotitis. So, it doesn't always indicate a mumps virus infection.

 

Your brain, pancreas, testicles, or ovaries may very rarely be affected by the mumps. Call your child's healthcare physician right away if they experience any of the following severe symptoms, as this only often affects adults and adolescents:

• Severe fever
• Rigid neck
• A terrible headache
• Confusion
• Stomachache
• Vomiting
• Seizures

Why do mumps develop?

Mumps is brought on by the paramyxovirus known as the mumps virus. Through direct contact with infected saliva or respiratory droplets from the infected person's nose, mouth, or throat, the virus can be transferred from one person to another. The mumps virus can be spread by an infected person by:

• Coughing, talking or sneezing
• Sharing toys, glasses, and utensils that have been in contact with contaminated saliva.
• Taking part in activities that need intimate touch with people, such as kissing, dancing, or playing sports.

Certain demographic groups are more susceptible to contracting the mumps. These groups consist of:

• Those whose immune systems are compromised.
• Those who travel abroad.
• Those who have not received the viral vaccination.
• Those who live in crowded areas, such as on college campuses.

Is the mumps spreadable?

Yes, the mumps virus is extremely contagious. Your child may be contagious from a few days before their glands swell to as long as five days after the swelling started if they have the mumps. Your child should so limit their contact with others. They shouldn't attend childcare or school. Even if up to one-third of those who have the mumps don't exhibit any symptoms, they can still spread the disease.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

How is Mumps diagnosed?

The medical professional caring for your child will inquire about their symptoms and do a physical examination. Based on their enlarged salivary glands, they might be able to identify mumps. Your child's doctor might ask for particular tests to diagnose the problem.

What tests will be used to identify measles?

To diagnose measles, your child's doctor could order a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. To get a sample of your child's mucus, they will swab the inside of his or her cheek or throat. A pathologist will examine the sample once it is sent to a lab where they will search for the mumps virus. To confirm the presence of the mumps or to rule out other diseases or viruses that might cause parotitis, your child's doctor may also ask for a blood test.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

The goal of mumps treatment is to make your child as comfortable as possible by minimizing their symptoms.

The goal of mumps treatment is to reduce your child's symptoms.

How is the mumps handled?

The mumps cannot be treated in a particular way. The illness must progress and typically disappears on its own after a few weeks. The goal of mumps treatment is to make your child as comfortable as possible by reducing their symptoms. 

The actions listed below can aid with symptom management:

• Drink a lot of water.
• Gargle with warm salt water.
• Consume soft, simple-to-chew foods.
• Eat less acidic, mouth-watering dishes.
• To relieve a sore throat, take a sip of an ice pop.
• Apply heat or cold packs to inflamed glands.
• To lower temperature and ease discomfort, take non-aspirin drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Never give aspirin to your youngster. Aspirin-taking children who have viruses like measles can develop Reye's syndrome.

A serious condition that can result in liver failure, brain enlargement, and even death.

PREVENTION

Can measles be avoided?

Due to the efficiency of the mumps vaccine, mumps is a disease that is avoidable. The mumps vaccination is often administered by medical professionals as a component of the measles, mumps, and rubella combination vaccine.

 

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are often administered to children in two doses as part of their routine childhood immunization plan. The first dose is given between the ages of 12 and 15 months, while the second dose is given between the ages of 4 and 6.

With only a few hundred cases each year in the United States, mumps is regarded as an uncommon disease. Even so, outbreaks happen in the United States, particularly in settings like dormitories and schools where there is frequent close contact between people. To lower your child's risk of catching the disease, it is crucial that they receive the necessary vaccinations.

 

College campuses have recently experienced mumps outbreaks despite having high percentages of protection from the disease through vaccination. This happens as a result of post-vaccination immunity fading. In some cases, individuals who are a part of an outbreak situation will be advised to receive a third dose of the measles vaccine.

Is the MMR vaccine safe?

The MMR vaccine is secure and efficient. Up to 90% of people are protected from the mumps. Immunization generally has no negative side effects on youngsters. Any negative effects that do happen are minor. A rash, fever, or minimal pain at the injection site could result from the mumps vaccine.

 

An adverse reaction to MMR immunization in children is quite rare. After receiving the vaccine, if your kid experiences breathing problems, exhaustion, a loss of color, or wheezing, call their doctor right once.

The vaccination may be administered to kids who have minor ailments (such as upper respiratory tract infections) or symptoms (like fever). Yet, if your child is suffering from a more serious condition, their pediatrician could suggest waiting to provide the vaccine until your child is well. Describe to your child's pediatrician any of the following:

• Have a history of seizures or has a parent or sibling who has suffered from seizures.
• Is taking drugs right now that could harm their immune system.
• Has a blood condition.
• Had a negative reaction to the MMR vaccine or dosage before.

PROGNOSIS

How long is mumps contagious?

Within a few weeks, most youngsters with mumps recovered. When the symptoms have subsided and it has been roughly a week since the swelling began, your child can go back to school.

Can measles recur?

It is quite rare that a youngster would ever get the mumps again in their lives. Yet, the best approach to guarantee that your child is protected against the mumps is to confirm that their vaccines are current.

COMPLICATIONS

What problems might measles cause?

Even though mumps is a minor illness, it can have major side effects. These issues could include:

• Inflammation of your child's joints is called arthritis.
• Deafness: A lifelong loss of hearing.
• Encephalitis: A brain infection in your youngster.
• Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord of your child.
• Oophoritis: Ovarian inflammation in your child.
• Orchitis: Testicular inflammation in your youngster(Most common).
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatic inflammation in your youngster.
• Thyroiditis: Thyroid gland inflammation in your youngster.

The most common complication of mumps is orchitis, which is inflammation of the testicles. Other complications can include meningitis, deafness, and pancreatitis.

While mumps is "harmless" (benign) during pregnancy.

They cause miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, birth abnormalities, or fetal mortality. Consult your healthcare professional as soon as possible if you are pregnant and you have been exposed to the mumps.

How should I treat my child if they have the mumps?

Mild symptoms may last for two to three weeks in your youngster. Your youngster should try to limit interaction with other people as much as possible because the condition is communicable. They shouldn't attend a school or partake in social activities.

 

What queries should I put to the medical professional treating my child?

Asking your child's doctor the following queries about the mumps may be beneficial.

Can my child spread measles even before showing symptoms?

Are there any potential issues for my child?

The measles vaccine is it safe?

What can I do to improve my child's mood?