Mumps

Introduction
prepared by Gaurab Pandey Health professional

 Mumps is a viral illness caused by a paramyxovirus a member of the Rubella virus

family which is a single standard RNA viruses
 Mumps is a contagious viral infection that is spread from one person to another
through saliva, nasal secretion, and
other means of close contact.
 Mumps is usually identified by severe pain, swelling, and tenderness of the parotid
salivary glands. The infection can be spread by sneezing, coughing, sharing personal
items (utensils, cups, glasses), and touching surfaces with unwashed hands
 Causative agents
• Mumps is caused by paramyxovirus which is
single standard RNA viruses and also a
member of Rubella family.
 Clinical features
Signs and Symptoms of Mumps:
The signs and symptoms of mumps appear within two to three weeks
of exposure to the virus. Most commonly, the individuals suffering
from mumps will experience flu-like symptoms.
• Swollen salivary glands
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• High body temperature
• Joint pain
• Pain while chewing the food
• Headache
• Mild abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual tiredness
 Incubation period
 The incubation period of mumps virus after
entering into the body is two to three weeks.
 The onset of the symptoms begins after the
incubation period, and the disease lasts for a week
to ten days. The hallmark findings, such as pain and
swelling of the parotid glands usually develop after
three days of the illness
 An average incubation period is about 14 – 18 days.
 Mode of Transmission
• The mumps virus is spread by saliva or respiratory
secretions, such as mucus.
• Mumps virus can be passed from person to person
by getting in contact with the saliva droplets of an
infected individual. Kissing, sharing food, drinking
cups, utensils, and objects that are used by an
infected person can spread the virus more easily.
• Respiratory droplets
• Close contact
• fomities
 Risk factors
• Having a risk factor does not necessarily increase the risk of
mumps, but the chances of getting the infection can be
high than a normal individual. The factors that increase the
risk of developing mumps include:
• Unvaccinated children between the age group of 2-12 years
are at an increased risk of developing mumps
• Children with a weakened immune system are more prone
to the risk of mumps
• Individuals travelling to the places where there is an
outbreak of mumps can develop the risk of mumps
• Children who have taken only one dose of MMR vaccine
can acquire the condition more easily
• An unvaccinated person getting in contact with an
individual with mumps can be easily infected with the virus
 Early detection and treatment
Laboratory based detection:
• To diagnose mumps, the doctor will perform a physical
examination by identifying the facial symptoms. The symptoms of
mumps can be felt more prominently by palpating and looking at
the swelling of the tonsils. The doctor will recommend the
following tests to confirm the diagnosis of mumps:
• Blood Tests: A sample of the blood is collected and tested to
identify the disease-causing microorganism. The doctor may also
recommend the culture of the microorganism if needed.
• Swab Test: The doctor would take a sample of the saliva to
confirm the diagnosis of mumps.
• Fluid Analysis: In severe cases, the doctor would order for
cerebrospinal fluid analysis. However, this test is done under
extremely rare conditions.
• RT –PCR and culture:
 Contd.
Clinical presentation based:
• To diagnose mumps, the doctor will perform a
physical examination by identifying the facial
symptoms. The symptoms of mumps can be felt
more prominently by palpating and looking at the
swelling of the tonsils.
• Parotitis or swelling of sublingual or submandibular
salivary gland for 2 or more years
 Contd.
Epidemiological evidence based:
• Contact of laboratory confirmed mumps cases.
• Contact of a person with parotitis.
• Member of a risk group defined by public health authorities
during an outbreaks.
• Returned from domestic or international within 25 days of
symptoms onset.
• Travel history.
• Immunization history.
 Treatment
Treatment of Mumps:
• The treatment aims to relieve the symptoms of mumps. There is no treatment
for mumps as there are no antiviral medications to kill the mumps virus. The
doctor will prescribe over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or
acetaminophen to ease the symptoms of mumps.
• Home remedies to reduce the pain and discomfort of mumps include:
• Ensure sufficient sleep and bed rest until the illness is completed cured
• Drink plenty of water and fluids
• Place a warm or cold compress near the swollen glands to ease the pain
• Prefer eating soft foods, such as oatmeal, fruits, mashed vegetables, etc., that
doesn’t require lots of chewing
• Avoid taking sour foods or juices that stimulate saliva production
Vaccination: There are two vaccines that can prevent mumps:
 The MMR (Measles,Mumps and Rubella)
 The MMRV(Measles,Mumps,Rubella and varicella/chickenpox
 Prevention and control
Prevention and control of Mumps:
• Immunization with the combination vaccine of measles-mumps-
rubella (MMR) on time, is the effective way to prevent mumps.
Apart from 2 doses of MMR vaccine, the following preventive
measures to reduce the spread of infection. They include:
• Avoid direct contact with the person infected with mumps
• Do not go to school/workplace until the infection is completely
healed
• Ensure to cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing
• Wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap
• Health education and awareness
• Eat healthy dietary foods ,plenty of fluids
 complication
Complications resulting from mumps are very rare. But, if the condition is left untreated, it can
result in serious complications, such as:
Testicular Inflammation:
• Swollen testicles are known as orchitis. Nearly 15-40% of the men who are infected by the virus experience
severe pain and inflammation in the testicles. In some cases, this can result in sterility.
Swelling of the Ovaries:
• Mumps can cause inflammation in the ovaries, especially in the adolescent women. Rarely, swelling of the
breasts (due to mastitis) can also be seen.
Encephalitis:
• Mumps can lead to a potentially fatal condition called as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Encephalitis can cause life-threatening neurological problems.
Meningitis:
• Untreated mumps may increase the risk of meningitis (swelling of the membrane and fluid buildup around
the brain and spinal cord). In some cases, the mumps virus is spread through the bloodstream and infect
the central nervous system.
Inflammation of the Pancreas:
• Mumps can increase the risk of a condition known as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Hearing Problems:
• Mumps can cause damage to the inner ear (cochlea), which can result in temporary or permanent hearing
loss.
Miscarriage:
• Women who are infected with mumps virus during pregnancy are at a higher risk of a miscarriage.