MUMPS

 Basic information

description

Mumps is a mild, contagious viral disease that causes painful swelling of the glands located between the ear and jaw. These are the parotid salivary glands. Mumps can affect all ages, but is more common in children (2 to 12 years). Mumps infections are now rare because of the routine vaccines given to infants. About 10% of adults are susceptible to mumps.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Mumps without complications:
  • Inflammation, swelling, tenderness, or pain of the glands. The glands feel firm, and discomfort increases with chewing or swallowing.
  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Sore throat.
  • Fatigue.
• Mumps symptoms with complications:
  • Painful, swollen testicles.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Severe headache, if the brain or meninges (lining of the brain) are involved.

causes

Person-to-person transmission of the mumps virus (paramyxovirus). The virus can be passed anytime from 48 hours before symptoms begin to 6 days after symptoms appear. Virus incubation is 14 to 24 days after contact; the average is 18 days.

risk increases with

• Outbreaks may occur.
• Lack of immunization.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Obtain routine mumps vaccines for infants.
• If you have not had mumps or been vaccinated, and a close family member has mumps, seek advice from your health care provider.

expected outcomes

Recovery in about 10–12 days. After having it once, a person almost always has lifetime immunity to mumps.

possible complications

• Complications are rare, and if they occur are usually in persons over age 19. Complications can involve the testicles, ovaries, thyroid, brain, spinal cord, prostate, pancreas, and the breasts. Testicle involvement may rarely lead to infertility in males.
• Mumps in the first trimester of pregnancy may lead to miscarriage.
• Hearing loss in children.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider can usually diagnose mumps by the signs and symptoms. Blood studies may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
• You do not need to keep the infected person away from the family. By the time symptoms appear, the disease has usually already spread.
• Apply heat or ice, whichever feels better, to the swollen, painful glands. Use a hot-water bottle, hot towel, or ice pack.
• Stay out of school, daycare, or work until no longer contagious (about 9 days after symptoms begin).

medications

• Once the infection begins, it must run its natural course. There is no safe or effective drug that can treat mumps.
• For minor pain, you may use nonprescription drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• If testicles are involved, stronger pain relievers and other drugs may be prescribed.

activity

Allow as much activity as strength and feeling of well-being allow. Patients are no longer contagious when swelling disappears.

diet

Soft food diet is helpful if chewing causes pain. Increase daily fluid intake to at least 6 to 8 glasses of liquid a day.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of mumps.
• Fever rises above 101°F (38.3°C).
• The following occur during the illness:
  • Vomiting or abdominal pain.
  • Severe headache.
  • Drowsiness or inability to stay awake.
  • Swelling or pain in the testicles.
  • Twitching of the face muscles.
  • Convulsion.
  • Discomfort or redness in the eyes.

Special Notes: