A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

MUMPS

What is Mumps ?

This is a common childhood disease caused by a virus. It mostly affects children but may occur at any age. The disease is passed on from person to person by direct contact or by droplets in the air containing infected saliva. The highest number of cases occur in spring. The virus is commonly caught at school and passed on to the family at home. Not every person who picks up the virus becomes ill. Those who do, have fever, headache and earache about 2 to 3 weeks after being infected. There is no rash. The illness is then easily recognized when one or both parotid saliva glands become large and painful. These glands are situated just below the ears. The patient may have difficulty with chewing and opening his mouth. This may last up to 1 week, before the gland gradually returns to its normal size. The fever and pain then disappear. In males, from adolescence onwards, inflammation of the testicles may occur. The coverings of the brain may also be affected (meningitis) causing headache, abnormal sensitivity to light, fever and neck stiffness. One attack of mumps gives lifelong protection against the disease.

How does Mumps occur ?

The virus enters the body through the nose and mouth where it multiplies. It then spreads through the blood to various parts of the body. The salivary glands and brain tissue are particularly affected.

Why does Mumps occur ?

People who have neither had the disease previously nor been vaccinated against it are likely to become infected since the virus is so widespread.

Treatment Involved for Mumps

There is no specific treatment for mumps. Bed rest, plenty to drink and paracetamol for the fever and pain are the only recommended measures. Application of cold packs over the enlarged glands may help to decrease the discomfort. The patient is usually infectious from about 1 week before symptoms appear until about 4 days after the swelling occurs. To prevent the illness, mumps vaccine is given together with the measles and rubella between the ages of 1 and 2. A booster dose is given just before starting school. The vaccine can also be given to adults if needed.

During Treatment for Mumps

Most people get better after about 10 days. The two most common complications of mumps are spread of the infection to other types of glands, or the brain. Inflammation of the testicles can cause quite severe pain. Elevating the testicles and strapping between the thighs may help to reduce the pain. More rarely, the pancreas may be inflamed, causing upper abdomen pain. If you suspect either of these complications, notify the doctor. Headache, vomiting or a fit may indicate that the brain has been infected. This is very rare. Urgent hospital treatment is then required.

After Treatment for Mumps

The only permanent effect of mumps results from involvement of the testicles. If they were inflamed as part of the infection, usually in teenagers or older, there is a very small risk of infertility later in life.

If Mumps is Left Untreated

There is no specific treatment. The illness subsides, usually with no complications.

Effects on Family of Mumps

The patient is infectious for five days after all the swelling has disappeared.