Mumps

Mumps

Mumps is an acute communicable disease caused by a viral infection Mumps Virus, characterized by painful enlargement of the salivary glands, and more specifically of the parotid glands, just in front of the ears. Sometimes the infection involves the testicles; rarely it produces meningitis. At times testicular involvement (orchitis) will result in lifetime sterility. There is no specific treatment, though swollen painful organs can be relieved with cold compresses while the disease runs its course and is treated at home with general measures.Patients are advised to avoid acidic foods and beverages, since these stimulate the salivary glands, which can be painful.


Mumps is a common childhood disease, but adults can also get mumps.  The disease causes more complications in adults; more than half of the deaths due to mumps happen among people over 19 years of age.  Anyone who is not immune to the mumps can get the disease.  Humans are the only ones who can carry and spread the disease to one another.   When an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, the virus is released into the air and enters another person’s body through the nose, mouth or throat.  People can also become sick if they come in contact with the mucus or saliva (spit) from an infected person. 

The most common symptoms include: 
Fever  
Headache  
Muscle aches  
Tiredness  
Loss of appetite  
Swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides 
(parotitis)  
Symptoms typically appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range 
from 12-25 days after infection. 

Prevention is better than cure.
 The most common preventive measure is vaccination with a mumps vaccine..The mumps vaccine is given in combination with the vaccines for measles and rubella (MMR).