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[Migrane] [ Mumps]

MUMPS

Unvaccinated children between the ages of 2 and 12 are most commonly infected, but the infection can occur in other age groups.

TARGET GROUP:

Unvaccinated children between the ages of 2 and 12 are most commonly infected, but the infection can occur in other age groups.

TYPE OF DISEASE:

The mumps are caused by a virus which spreads from person-to-person by respiratory droplets or direct contact with articles that have been contaminated with infected saliva. The incubation period is usually 12 to 24 days. For prevention, the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine should be given to 12-15 months old children. Vaccination is repeated between 4 to 6 years of age, or between 11 and 12 years of age. The disease is more severe if you get it as an adult. Although uncomfortable, mumps is usually harmless and symptoms normally subside within ten days. Many children with mumps have no symptoms.

 

SYMPTOMS:

The various symptoms of mumps are:

• Swelling of the parotid glands
• Pain in the face
• Swelling of the jaws and cheeks
• Headache
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Malaise
• Vomiting and nausea
• Pain in swallowing

In males there may be additional symptoms such as scrotal swelling, testicle lump and pain.

Other accompanied symptoms may be like tiredness, fatigue, paleness, and loss of appetite, dizziness, diarrhoea and sensations of being very cold and warm.

AFFECTED AREAS:

The salivary glands between the ear and the jaw, known as the parotid glands, are mainly affected by mumps. Sometimes other organs may also be infected and swollen, including the central nervous system, the testes, and the pancreas.

CAUSES:

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. The incubation period is from 16-18 days, ranging from 12-25 days after exposure. The period when someone is most infectious to others is from 1-2 days before and 5 days after the onset of swelling in the glands. People with mumps are contagious for 1-2 days before and about a week after the onset of symptoms, which occurs about two to three weeks after exposure to the mumps virus. The mode of transmission is through direct contact with an infected person's sneeze or cough. Humans are the only known natural hosts.

 

RISK TO OTHERS:

Unvaccinated children and adults are most susceptible to mumps.

RISK TO SUFFERER:

Possible complications due to mumps include pancreatitis, meningitis, male sterility, encephalitis, prostatitis, and dehydration.

TREATMENT:

There is no effective treatment for mumps. The symptoms can be relieved by the application of hot or cold packs to the affected area, acetaminophen for pain relief, paracetamol, analgesics, and warm salt water gargles. Soft diet, extra fluids, and adequate rest will also help to relieve symptoms.