Mumps is an infectious disease that usually occurs in winter and spring, affecting mostly children between the ages of 2 and 12. Caused by a virus from the paramyxovirus family, the disease can cause inflammation in the salivary glands, brain, kidneys, pancreas and nerves. The disease starts with mild symptoms such as headache, fever and fatigue, and treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms.
Although it is known as a childhood disease, it is contagious and can spread rapidly, and adults are more at risk. After mild symptoms, swelling of the cheeks and chin can occur. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent this disease.
What Causes Mumps? How is it transmitted?
The disease is caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to a family of viruses known as paramyxoviruses. These viruses are a common source of infection, especially in children.
Being a viral infection, it can be transmitted quickly through droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking). It can be transmitted by close contact with the person who has the disease or by contact with the items used by this person.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
Symptoms of mumps appear about 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. Some people may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. While this disease can manifest itself with symptoms similar to flu-like illnesses, common symptoms observed in cases can be listed as follows:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Puffiness of the cheek and chin
When should the mumps vaccine be given?
Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Mumps vaccine is given as a mixed vaccine with measles and rubella vaccine.
Who gets mumps?
Most of the cases are children. It is more preferable to have this disease, which can also be seen in adults, in childhood. The reason for this is that experiencing this disease in adulthood can lead to some serious complications.
The disease mostly affects children between the ages of 2 and 12 who have not been vaccinated against mumps. However, adolescents and adults can get the disease again, even if they have been vaccinated. This is because the immunity of the vaccine decreases after a certain period of time.
How is mumps diagnosed?
Mumps is diagnosed by a specialist by asking questions about symptoms and performing a physical examination. In some cases, the specialist may use some tests for a definitive diagnosis. The patient's throat is checked during the examination, as the tonsils may be pushed to the side in case of illness.
The patient's body temperature is taken and blood, urine or saliva samples may be tested. If symptoms appear, a specialist should be consulted immediately and the cause of the symptoms should be determined.
How is mumps treated?
There is no specific treatment for mumps. The disease usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Mumps treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms that occur. In cases where the body temperature is high, antipyretics can be given.
It is important for the patient to drink plenty of fluids and eat a regular and healthy diet. If the doctor deems necessary, antiviral drugs that are effective against viruses can be given, while it is generally expected that this disease will pass with the body's own resistance.
At this stage, the patient needs to be closely monitored and cortisone treatment can be applied to prevent damage to the ears. However, it is very important that this method should be used carefully under the control of a specialist doctor, as it can be harmful as well as beneficial.
The dose of antiviral drugs may be increased to prevent inflammation in the ears. In addition to these, many different methods can be applied during the treatment phase, which will depend on the patient's condition and the complaints experienced. The disease is expected to recover within 7 to 10 days.
What are the complications of mumps?
Although mumps is typically seen as a mild disease, it can cause significant complications. The most serious complication is deafness. While levels of deafness can vary, it can progress to complete deafness. In addition, if this condition spreads throughout the body through the bloodstream and reaches the reproductive cells, it can lead to infertility.
A rare complication is meningitis. This is an inflammation of the tissue lining the brain and spinal cord. Problems can arise that can progress to a life-threatening condition.