What is mumps ?

It is a contagious viral infection that spreads through saliva. It can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. Mumps leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. There is no treatment for this disease.

What causes mumps ?

Mumps is caused by a virus. It is spread through respiratory droplets such as sneeze or by direct contact with infected with saliva.

Will I experience any symptoms when I get infected with the mumps virus ?

About half the people who get infected with the virus remain asymptomatic. If symptoms occur however they include the following :

 
• fever
• headache
• muscle ache
• tiredness
• loss of appetite
• swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides (parotitis)

My child has mumps ? Is there any hope ?

There is no treatment for mumps. The virus runs its course and most children usually recover about 2 weeks after infection.

How do I care for someone with mumps ?

Takes these measures to make patient comfortable during the infection phase .

Drink lots of fluids.

Apply ice or heat packs to the neck.

Take over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

Avoid foods that require lots of chewing or sour foods.

How can I protect my child from mumps ?

MMR vaccine prevents measles, mumps and rubella. It is usually given in two doses at these recommended ages :

 
• between 12 – 15 months
• between 4 and 6 years old .This second dose can be given at any time as long as it’s at least 28 days after the first.

 
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