Mumps | Children’s Health Illness | How it spreads

Mumps is generally a health illness which is usually caused by a virus. Generally, it affects the glands on each side of the face. Typically, these glands are called parotid glands, it makes you develop saliva. Those swollen glands might be tender or painful.

Mumps diseases are not that much common in the US because of vaccines. But outbreaks of disease do happen. Especially, people who are not vaccinated are at greatest risk of getting an infection. People who are Vaccinated and who got mumps infection typically experience milder symptoms and some complications.But there is no particular treatment drugs. Usually, treatment helps you to relieve pain and discomfort.

Symptoms

Usually, the first symptoms of mumps are very mild. Some of the people won’t experience any symptoms and they don't know that they are infected. Symptoms usually show up at the time of infection. The incubation period is usually the time between the infection and illness which can range from seven to 25 days.

Some of the mild symptoms of mumps which includes:

• Fever.

• Headache.

• Muscle aches.

• Fatigue.

• Loss of appetite.

After the show up of mild symptoms, it makes your parotid glands be swollen. Your parotid glands are typically salivary glands which are located between your ears and jaw. The swelling of glands called parotitis which can happen in one or both sides of your face. One of the classic signs of mumps is “chipmunk cheeks” because your cheeks are puff up and also it makes your jaw swell. Parotitis will occur in more than 70% of people with mumps cases.

Most importantly, you have to remember that many different viruses and bacteria will cause parotitis. So, it does not mean that infection is usually caused by the virus.

In some rare cases, mumps will affect your organs which include your brain,pancreas, testicles or ovaries. Complications of mumps cases usually occurs in adolescents and adults but you must call your provider right away if they develop any of the below sever severe symptoms:

• High fever.

• Stiff neck.

• Severe headache.

• Confusion.

• Stomach pain.

• Vomiting.

• Seizures.

Causes

Typically, mumps infection can be caused by a type of germ called virus. When someone is infected with a mumps virus, then that virus presents in saliva. When coughing or sneezing with mumps infection can release tiny droplets with virus and it spreads into the air.

You can get the virus by breathing in that virus air droplets. Or you can get the infection by touching a surface where that virus droplets landed and then touching your face. You can also pick up the virus through having direct contact by kissing or sharing your water bottle with others.

Outbreaks in the US mostly happen where people live or work in close contact. And also some other places like college campuses, summer camps and schools.

Mumps: high-risk groups

Anyone who is not immunised with the mumps vaccine are at greatest risk of getting mumps infection, especially if they travel to countries where the immunisation programs like vaccination awareness programs are not widespread.

Tests and diagnosis of mumps

Generally, mumps infection can be diagnosed by looking at its symptoms alone, particularly by examining the facial swelling. Your healthcare provider may also:

• Check the inside of the mouth to identify the area and position of the tonsils present especially when people are infected with mumps infection, that person’s tonsils can be pushed to the side.

• Trace the infected people’s temperature.

• Take a sample of blood, urine, or saliva which helps to confirm the diagnosis of mumps infection.

• Take a CSF called cerebrospinal fluid sample from the spine for a lab test. This test can usually only be taken in severe cases.

Mumps Treatment

If you are infected with mumps, there is no treatment for it. That's because antibiotic medications won’t work on a virus. You have to let that infection run its course. You should talk to your provider about what you can do to ease the symptoms  of you or your child’s symptoms. Doctor’s suggestions might be:

• You can use cold or warm packs on swollen areas of your body

• Drink lots of fluids

• Eat soft foods

• Rest

• Take over-the-counter medicines, non-aspirin pain relievers

If you think that you are infected with mumps or someone around you who has, see your provider to get tested right away.

 

Mumps Complications

Complications of mumps don't happen often but mumps can lead to serious health problems. More likely you can catch the mumps in an adult than a child. Some complications are:

• Sudden Inflammation on the ovaries, breast tissues, and testicles in males who are already undergone puberty

• Inflammation in the brain which usually called encephalitis

• Inflammation in the membrane which generally covers your brain and spinal cord that is called meningitis

• Hearing loss

• Heart problems

• Miscarriage if infected during pregnancy

• Pancreatitis

Can Mumps Be Prevented?

One of the best ways of protecting your kids is to make sure that they are immunised against mumps. For most childrens, mumps protection is part of the measles-mumps rubella vaccine called MMR or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine called MMRV. They get these vaccines when they are 12 to 15 months old and again when they are 4 to 6 years old.

Sometimes people who are vaccinated still get mumps infections. But their symptoms will be milder if you got the vaccine.

During the outbreak of mumps infection, providers will suggest you take  more MMR vaccine shots for some people who are likely to get mumps. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the main cause of mumps?

Ans: Mumps is a viral illness caused by a paramyxovirus, a member of the Rubulavirus family.

Q2. What happens if you get mumps?

Ans: While infected with mumps, many people feel tired and achy, have a fever, and swollen salivary glands on the side of the face. 

Q3. Can mumps be removed?

Ans: There are currently no medicines to treat the mumps virus.

Q4. Is mumps very painful?

Ans: A common symptom of mumps is painful swelling on one or both sides of the face. 

Q5. Who is most at risk for mumps?

Ans: The greatest risk of infection occurs among older children, adolescents, and young adults.