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Mumps is no longer a disease that only affects children. It has been reported in more adults than usual. The primary reason for an increased number of cases of mumps is attributed to small outbreaks in specific parts of the world. Thankfully, India is not among these affected regions. However, to ensure that we continue to stay away from the outbreak of mumps, we need to learn what the disease is all about and how we can prevent it.
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that used to be common in children. Before vaccination, it was a common childhood disease worldwide. It is most recognizable by the painful swellings of the salivary glands at the side of the face under the ears (parotid glands).
Generally, mumps is considered a disease that affects children between the age of 5–9 years. Moreover, mumps can affect adults, and their complications are generally reported to be considered serious. Vaccines against mumps have been developed since the 1960s and are incorporated into the immunisation schedules. It is known as the MMR vaccine, i.e. Measles–Mumps–the Rubella vaccine. The incidence of the disease is low in countries that have a high immunisation rate. Mumps can last between 10 and 14 days. Once you develop mumps, there are rare chances that you can get infected with it.
Mumps has not been classified into different types.
Typically, mumps starts with a few days of fever; headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, and is followed by the swelling of salivary glands. Moreover, up to 20% of persons infected with the mumps virus do not show symptoms. Males past puberty who develop mumps have a 15–20 per cent risk of infection of the testicles.
Once the body is affected by the virus, it spreads into the bloodstream and affects different body parts:
In general, you are considered immune to mumps if you have previously had the infection or if you have been immunized against mumps. Usually, the mumps vaccine is given as a combined measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine, which contains the safest and most effective form of each vaccine.
Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended before a child enters school:
Your physician will ask you about your history of exposure to any person having mumps or swelling of the face. If you have been in contact with such a person, the doctor will verify how you have contracted the infection.
The physician will verify if you have taken the immunisation for mumps. This vaccination is a three-in-one vaccination providing protection against measles/mumps/rubella.
Mumps is caused by a virus called paramyxovirus, which can be detected through a test.
If your doctor suspects that you or your child has mumps, a virus culture (PCR) or a blood test may be required. Your immune system normally makes antibodies to help you fight an infection. Therefore, if you have mumps, the blood test can detect the antibodies in your system that is fighting the mumps virus.
There are no treatment protocols for mumps; the disease completes its course. The treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms of the infection. No antibiotics work on viral infections; therefore, supportive therapy is the best remedy.
Non-aspirin medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given to relieve pain.
Aspirin should be avoided as children are at risk of developing Reye’s syndrome which is disease-causing liver damage or swelling in the brain.
Because mumps is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective. Similar to most viral illnesses, a mumps infection must simply run its course. Fortunately, most children and adults recover from an uncomplicated case of mumps within about two weeks. If you or your child has mumps, time and rest are the best treatments. You can take certain steps to ease pain and discomfort and keep others from becoming infected.
Prognosis
Recovery from mumps is quick; children usually recover within a few weeks. Children can resume going to school after the swelling subsides and when symptoms improve.
Mumps in adults is more severe than in children. Women who are pregnant might have a risk of abortion.
Once mumps has been diagnosed in your child, it is unlikely to have it again. Please ensure your child’s immunisations are up to date.
Complications
Mumps will usually pass without causing considerable damage to a person’s health. Serious complications are rare. Most mumps complications involve inflammation and swelling in certain parts of the body such as the testicles, pancreas, ovaries, breasts and brain membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord. In rare cases, mumps can cause hearing loss and pregnancy loss.
A lump anywhere on your face could mean an allergy, thyroid or other underlying conditions. Read on to know more.
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A lump anywhere on your face could mean an allergy, thyroid or other underlying conditions. Read on to know more.
Diet plays an important role in fighting measles. In case you are not aware of what you should eat and what you should not while suffering from measles, here's all for you to know.
Parents of children in Bristol have been alerted by the public health department to get their children vaccinated against Measles due to major outbreak of the viral infection this year. Bristol has recorded 40 times higher number of confirmed Measles cases compared to last year.
According to the World Health Organization, immunization prevents about 2 to 3 million deaths a year and has helped to control several life-threatening diseases and saved millions of lives.
Immunization helps save millions of individuals all over the world, protecting them from illnesses and disabilities.
Top 5 summer diseases you should look out for
Are you suffering from fever, sore throat or swollen salivary glands? Check if the mumps virus has got hold of you.
There's more to mumps than just swelling. Here are other symptoms of mumps you should know about!