Mumps (Epidemic Parotitis): Causes, Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment, and Prevention

Mumps or epidemic parotitis is a contagious disease caused by a virus. There is no specific treatment for mumps, and this condition can cause serious health problems. The vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the disease.

The virus primarily affects the salivary glands, also called parotid glands. These glands are responsible for producing saliva. There are three sets of salivary glands on each side of the face, located behind and below the ears. The characteristic symptom of mumps is the swelling of the salivary glands.

Mode of transmission

Mumps spreads easily through coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact, such as sharing glasses or water bottles, kissing, or playing a sport with someone who has been infected.

Symptoms

Mumps begins with episodes of fever (39°C), headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and/or loss of appetite. Symptoms are followed by swelling of the salivary glands, between the ear and the jaw, which can cause the cheeks to swell.

Symptoms usually appear 16-18 days after infection and can persist for 12-25 days after the disease is detected. Most people who contract mumps show symptoms of the virus. However, some people have no symptoms or they are not obvious.

Most infected people recover completely in about two weeks. In rare cases, mumps can lead to severe complications, such as:

• swelling of the testicles (orchitis), which can lead to a decrease in the size of the testicles
• swelling of the ovaries (oophoritis) or breast tissue (mastitis)
• swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
• swelling of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
• deafness

Diagnosis

The diagnosis can be made after examining the swelling in the face. Laboratory testing is not mandatory.

In cases of severe complications where patients show meningeal signs, a lumbar puncture may be necessary.

Treatment

Currently, there are no drugs available to treat mumps. Rest, fluid intake (soups, teas, water, natural fruit juices), applying a warm or cold compress to the swollen glands, eating soft foods that do not require much chewing, and pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms.

If the fever does not go down, the doctor may recommend taking ibuprofen or paracetamol. In case of vomiting, metoclopramide or emetiral is administered, but only under a doctor's recommendation.

Because mumps is a virus, it does not respond to antibiotics or other medications.

Prevention

The vaccination schedule for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is the most effective method of preventing mumps. Vaccination in childhood can provide lifelong protection.

It is recommended to administer the first dose of the vaccine after the age of one, with the second dose given at age five.

In some cases, even vaccinated people can contract the virus if they are exposed, but the risk of contracting the disease in a vaccinated person is much lower compared to that of an unvaccinated person.

There are no studies that indicate a link between the onset of autism and the mumps vaccine.

Good hygiene practices (hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing, disinfecting common surfaces) can support the disease prevention process.

References
https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/mumps/
https://www.healthline.com/health/mumps
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mumps-in-adults
https://www.medlife.ro/glosar-medical/afectiuni-medicale/oreion-cauze-simptome-tratament
https://www.secom.ro/blogs/ghidul-secom/totul-despre-oreion-cauze-simptome-diagnostic-tratament-preventie-complicatii