What are the Mumps?

Everything You Need to Know About Mumps

Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, causing swollen cheeks and a tender jaw. It spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, or close contact. Symptoms often start with fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches before swelling of the parotid glands occurs.

While mumps is usually mild, complications like meningitis, pancreatitis, or hearing loss can arise in rare cases. Since there is no specific treatment, care focuses on relieving the symptoms.

Vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine significantly reduces the risk of infection and complications. Outbreaks still occur, especially in unvaccinated groups or close-contact settings like schools and colleges.

What are the Causes of Mumps?

The mumps virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus family, causes this illness. It spreads when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also spread by touching surfaces with the virus and then touching the mouth or nose. The infection is most common in children but can affect adults, too.

What are the Symptoms of Mumps?

Mumps symptoms appear 12 to 25 days after infection. The main symptom is swollen salivary glands, which cause puffy cheeks and jaw pain. Other symptoms include:

● Fever

● Headache

● Muscle aches

● Fatigue

● Loss of appetite

● Pain while chewing or swallowing

Some people may have mild symptoms or none at all. However, they can still spread the virus to others.

Complications of Mumps

In most cases, mumps are not severe. However, it can lead to complications, especially in adults. These include:

● Meningitis: Swelling of the brain and spinal cord lining.

● Orchitis: Swelling of the testicles in males, which may cause infertility.

● Oophoritis: Swelling of the ovaries in females, which leads to pelvic pain.

● Encephalitis: Brain inflammation, which is rare but serious.

● Hearing loss: Permanent hearing damage in some cases.

How is Mumps Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose mumps by checking symptoms, especially swollen glands. Blood, saliva, or urine tests can confirm the infection. If complications arise, further tests like MRI or ultrasound are required.

How is Mumps Treated?

There is no specific cure for mumps. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics do not work. The best treatment is rest and home care. The recommended steps include:

● Drinking plenty of fluids.

● Eating soft foods to avoid pain while chewing.

● Applying cold or warm compresses on swollen glands.

● Taking pain relievers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

● Getting plenty of rest.

In addition, most people recover within 2 weeks.

How to Prevent Mumps?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent mumps. The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) protects against the virus. It is given in two doses, usually in childhood. The first dose is given at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Vaccinated people have strong immunity, yet there is a slight chance of infection.

When to See a Doctor?

Early medical care can help prevent complications. Thus, you should seek medical help immediately if:

● The swelling is severe.

● High fever persists.

● Severe headaches or neck stiffness occur.

● There is pain in the testicles or lower abdomen.

● Difficulty in breathing develops.

Mumps is a viral infection that mainly affects the salivary glands. It spreads quickly and causes swelling, fever, and pain. While most people recover at home, complications can occur. The best protection is vaccination.

Moreover, good hygiene, like washing hands and avoiding close contact with infected people, helps prevent the spread. If symptoms worsen, consult a doctor immediately.