The Mumps Today
What is the mumps?
The mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands located below and in front of the ears. Symptoms of the mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches and swelling of glands near the jaw area.
The mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands located below and in front of the ears. Symptoms of the mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches and swelling of glands near the jaw area.
How is it contracted?
The mumps is spread by coughing and sneezing and can be transmitted from about three days before symptoms appear and up until about four days after they appear. Transmission of the mumps is through airborne droplets and direct contact with saliva of the infected person.
What are some complications of the mumps?
Some complications that can be seen in a person that has contracted the mumps may be the development of meningitis, which is inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Other complications are an inflammation of the ovaries or testicles, pancreas and even permanent deafness can occur.
Treatment
Even though the mumps is caused by a virus it can not be effectively treated with an antibiotic. However, like most other viruses it has to run its course usually about two weeks without complications.
Medical Attention
If you suspect you or child has contracted the mumps, seek medical attention immediately. Though uncommon, there has been recent cases of the mumps reported. Seeing your doctor would determine if you have contracted the mumps or if there is something else going on such as tonsillitis or a blocked salivary gland
Prevention
You are considered to be immune to the disease if you have had the MMR vaccine or have had the mumps in the past.
Recent outbreaks
Because of immunizations there had been only about 300 cases reported per year. The recent out break of the mumps epidemic in the Midwest is the first in 20 years according to health officials where approximately 515 suspected cases has been reported in Iowa alone.
