INFORMATION ON MUMPS

Mumps is a disease caused by a virus that usually spreads through saliva and can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. These glands, which produce saliva for the mouth, are found toward the back of each cheek, in the area between the ear and jaw. In cases of mumps, these glands typically swell and become painful. Mumps was common until the mumps vaccine was licensed in 1967. Before the vaccine, up to 200,000 cases of mumps occurred each year in the United States. Since then, the number of cases has dropped dramatically.

SYNONYMS OF MUMPS

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Parotitis.
2. Epidemic parotiditis.
3. Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.
4. Paramyxovirus.
5. Mumps vaccine.
6. Involvement in mumps.

CAUSES OF MUMPS

Mumps is caused by a virus known as a Paramyxovirus. It is transmitted mainly by infected saliva. Mumps occurs most often in children ages two through twelve, although unvaccinated adults are also susceptible. The mode of transmission is through direct contact and airborne droplets with disease beginning from 14 to 24 days after exposure.

SYMPTOMS OF MUMPS

Symptoms of mumps are:

1. Headache.
2. Muscle pain.
3. Slight fever.
4. Fatigue.
5. Dry mouth.
6. Difficulty in swallowing.
7. Loss of appetite.
8. Earache.

DIAGNOSIS OF MUMPS

Diagnosis is usually based on the swelling of the salivary glands in both cheeks. Mumps can be diagnosed by a blood test or culture.

TREATMENT OF MUMPS

There is no specific treatment for mumps. Warm salt water gargles, soft foods, and extra fluids may also help relieve symptoms. Patients are advised to avoid fruit juice or any acidic foods, since these stimulate the salivary glands, which can be painful.