What is Mumps?

About Mumps:

• It is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to a group of viruses known as paramyxoviruses.
• It can cause painful swelling in parotid salivary glands (parotitis).
• Transmission:
  • Humans are the only known host for the mumps virus, which is spread from person to person by drops of moisture from the nose and mouth, such as through sneezing.
  • It is also spread through direct contact with items that have infected saliva on them.
• Mumps occurs worldwide and usually affects children and young adults.
• Incubation period: Typically 16 to 18 days; ranging from 12 to 25 days.
• Symptoms:
  • Face pain
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling of the parotid glands (the largest salivary glands, located between the ear and the jaw)
  • Swelling of the temples or jaw (temporomandibular area)
• Normally mumps is a mild, self-limiting disease and disappears without sequelae.
• However, complications may occur, such as encephalitis or sensorineural deafness.
• Orchitis (a painful inflammation of the testes) occurs in 20% of young adult males who develop mumps.
• Treatment: There is no specific treatment for mumps. The various symptoms may be relieved with medicines.
• Prevention:
  • Vaccination is the main preventive measure against mumps.
  • MMR immunization (vaccine) protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.