Mumps is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the salivary glands and is preventable through vaccination. It is highly contagious and transmitted through saliva. Symptoms include fever, headache, and painful swelling of the testicles in males. Treatment involves monitoring and hydration, and aspirin should be used with caution. Vaccination is recommended to prevent the disease.
Mumps is an infectious viral disease that classically causes inflammation of the parotid glands, also known as the salivary glands. Since 1967, this disease has been completely preventable through vaccination, so it is relatively rare to see a case of mumps in a country with full vaccination coverage. In North America and Europe, for example, mumps is often on the list of vaccinations required to attend school. In developing nations, however, cases occur due to a lack of access to necessary vaccines.
The disease is caused by a paramyxovirus, a type of RNA virus. Several other infectious diseases are caused by paramyxoviruses; mumps is in the rubulavirus genus, along with Tioman virus, a virus that causes a swelling of the brain known as encephalopathy. The virus is harbored in the patient’s saliva and is transmitted through coughing, sneezing or other contact with saliva. The disease is highly contagious, with symptoms appearing approximately two weeks after exposure.
The first sign of mumps is often a high fever accompanied by a headache. The salivary glands swell shortly thereafter and in some cases the patient may experience swelling of the reproductive organs and pancreas. In male patients, testicular swelling can be quite painful and can lead to infertility. The disease generally does not kill, although in some cases it can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which will be fatal if left untreated.
Treatment generally relies on letting the disease run its course while the patient is monitored to ensure no more serious symptoms emerge. It is important to keep the patient nourished and hydrated, although swelling around the mouth can make eating difficult. Soft foods like smoothies and yogurt are good choices. A doctor may also recommend aspirin for pain, although aspirin shouldn’t be offered to very young children without a doctor’s approval, as it has been linked to health conditions such as Reye’s syndrome.
The formal name is “mumps epidemic,” a reference to the infectivity of the disease, along with the tendency for the parotid glands to become swollen. “Patetite” comes from an Old English word meaning “swelling.” Generally, mumps is preventable through an infant vaccination and a booster vaccination about three years later. People who travel or live in close contact with others may wish to consider an additional booster dose to ensure they are immune. If you have already been infected, you will be immune to it in the future.
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