What are Mumps?

About Mumps

• It is a contagious disease caused by a paramyxovirus.
• It can cause the parotid glands, the ones on each side of the face to swell and they may also be tender or painful.
• It is an acute disease which infects children and young adults.
• Humans are the only known host for mumps virus, which is spread via direct contact or by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract of infected individuals.
• Symptoms
  • After an incubation period of some 2 to 4 weeks mumps begins with non-specific symptoms such as myalgia, headache, malaise and low-grade fever.
  • Within days, these symptoms are followed by unilateral or bilateral swelling of the parotid salivary glands, with other salivary glands affected in 10% of cases.
  • Normally mumps is a mild, self-limiting disease and disappears without sequelae.
  • However, complications may occur such as encephalitis or sensorineural deafness.
  • Orchitis (a painful inflammation of the testes) occurs in 20% of young adult males who develop mumps.
• Treatment: There is no specific treatment for mumps. The various symptoms may be relieved with medicines.
• Prevention: The best way to protect kids is to make sure they’re immunized against mumps.

Q1) What are Parotid glands?

The parotid glands are salivary glands that sit just in front of the ears. There is one parotid gland on each side of the face. There are many other salivary glands in the lips, cheeks, mouth and throat. Each makes saliva to help with chewing, swallowing and digesting food.

Source: Mumps outbreak: Worrying symptoms to watch out for, preventive tips

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