Mumps- what causes it & what are the symptoms?
What is mumps and what causes it?
- Mumps is a viral illness, which causes swelling of the salivary glands (the glands in the head and neck that produce spit), fever and sometimes other symptoms and complications.
- It used to be common, but immunisation in childhood with the MMR vaccine has dramatically reduced cases.
How is mumps spread?
- Mumps is spread from person to person by swallowing or breathing in droplets that an infected person has sneezed or coughed. The virus can also be present in an infected person’s urine.
- Symptoms of mumps tend to occur 2-3 weeks following exposure. However, some people do not show any signs of infection (about 33%) but can still pass it to others.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
- The classic symptoms of mumps include fever and painful swelling of the salivary (spit) glands- particularly the ones just in front of the ears, around the jaw area. The swelling can be quite significant and painful, making it hard to eat or talk.
- Other common symptoms include tiredness & headache.
- The symptoms usually last about 2 weeks
- Some people develop more serious complications of mumps
What are the complications of mumps?
Complications of mumps are uncommon, but can be serious, or even life-threatening.
- Orchitis- this is inflammation of the testicles. It can lead to reduced fertility.
- Meningitis– inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain
- Encephalitis- inflammation of the brain itself
- Deafness- due to damage of the nerves involved in hearing
- Mastitis- inflammation of the breasts
- Oophoritis- inflammation of the ovaries
- Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas
- Hepatitis – inflammation of the liver
- Myocarditis- inflammation of the heart muscle
- Miscarriage- mumps can cause miscarriage in the first trimester if contracted by a pregnant woman
Is there any treatment for mumps?
- No, there is no specific treatment for mumps once it’s been contracted.
- Antibiotics don’t help because it’s a virus. That’s why vaccination is recommended, to prevent it happening in the first place.
- General measures include painkillers, fluids and soft foods and rest.
- Isolation from others and careful hygiene is advisable, to avoid spreading it.
What is the MMR vaccine?
- Immunisation against mumps is included in the MMR vaccine which children receive at one year of age, with a second booster dose aged 18 months.
- A lot of research has been done, that confirms it’s a very safe and effective vaccine.
- This vaccine also protects against measles and rubella. The version given to Australian children at 18 months includes immunisation against chicken pox too.
- Not everyone can have the mumps vaccine- if a person has a weakened immune system due to a medical condition such as HIV or cancer, chemotherapy or other drugs such as oral steroids, then the MMR vaccination may need to be avoided or delayed.
- It’s also not safe to give the MMR vaccine during pregnancy, or 1 month before conceiving.
If you have more questions about mumps or the MMR vaccine, speak to your doctor.
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