Mumps

Mumps is a virus infection, which normally affects the salivary glands. In children it is generally a mild infection, but the symptoms in teenagers and adults can be more significant. Mumps was rare in the UK because of children being immunised. However, because of the decline in uptake of the MMR vaccine in young children, we have had outbreaks of Mumps in the student community.

Symptoms of Mumps
• Swelling of the parotids. (These are salivary glands below your ears, and above your jaw line). This lasts for 4-8 days.
• Fever, headache, tiredness
• Mild abdominal pain
• Chewing and swallowing may be sore
• Loss of appetite

Complications
These are more common in teenagers and adults
• Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) causing swelling and pain. Rarely this can cause infertility.
• Brain inflammation (meningitis or encephalitis) is uncommon. See link to meningitis. Generally it occurs after a few days without any long- term problems. Deafness is a rare long- term complication.
• Inflammation of the pancreas, heart and other organs is rare.

Diagnosis

This is usually made on clinical grounds but a blood or a saliva test may be carried out.

Treatment

There is no medicine for the mumps virus. It is generally self- limiting. After the illness a life long immunity occurs.
• Paracetamol and Ibuprofen
• Drink plenty of fluids
• A warm flannel against the parotid gland is soothing.

Remember it is contagious, and it is passed on by coughs and sneezes. It takes 14-21 days to develop.
You are infectious until about 5 days after the glands begin to swell.

PREVENTION

We would recommend that all students have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine.
If you haven’t and would like to be immunised then please make an appointment with your practice nurse.


Source: EMIS
Wikipedia