Also called the epidemic parotiditis, the mumps is an infectious disease caused by a virus that mainly affects the salivary glands, causing pain and swelling in the cheeks area. It is transmitted by coughing, sneezing or direct contact with infected saliva.
Most children do not develop complications, but these are serious, respectively meningitis, inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) or infertility.
The ROR vaccine provides effective protection.
What is the mumps
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The mumps is a contagious viral disease that affects the salivary glands, especially the parotides, located in the area between the ears and the mandible. The disease is caused by the Urlian virus, which belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. It spreads through respiratory secretions, it would be saliva.
It is common in unvaccinated children, especially between 5 and 15 years old but can affect adolescents or adults. However, it can easily be developed in adolescent boys or adults, such as orchitis, which can affect fertility.
A person infected with mumps is contagious a few days before symptoms and 5 days after.
How to transmit
The virus is transmitted very easily from one person to another by:
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-the tough and sneezing
-the nasal or saliva secrets
-contaminated sheets (toys, dishes, towels)
The incubation period is16-18 days, but can vary between 12 – 25 days. Unvaccinated people or who have not had the disease in childhood are the most exposed.
The mumps spreads especially in communities: kindergartens, schools, camps or families with more children.
The symptoms of the mumps
They can vary from light to severe, and some infected people may not be the most characteristic. Appears on one side of the face but can affect both sides. The area is painful, warm and tense, and the child’s face gets a typical “hamster” aspect.
-moderate or large fever, usually between 38-39 ° C, which can take several days.
-dure to chew or swallow, and the child can refuse the food or complain that it hurts when he eats.
-head pain, fatigue, loss of appetite are the general symptoms that accompany many viral infections.
The complications of the mumps
Orchitis: inflammation of the testes, occurs especially in adolescents and adults, with pain and testicular swelling; Orchitis can lead to infertility.
Ophorite: inflammation of the ovaries in girls.
Viral meningitis: severe headache, vomiting, light sensitivity.
Pancreatitis: abdominal pain and nausea.
Some children can make a mild form of the disease, without obvious swelling, which makes diagnosis more difficult.
Treatment for mumps
There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. The treatment is symptomatic and is based on improving the discomfort of the child.
recommendation
Rest
The child should stay at home, in bed, and avoid intense physical effort. It must also be isolated for at least 5 days from the onset of symptoms.
Hydration and light diet
Hot or cold (not very hot) liquids. Avoiding acidic foods (oranges, tomatoes) that can irritate salivary glands. Purets and soups are extremely good options.
Medicines for fever and pain
Antitermic or paracetamol or ibuprofen may be given, according to the age and recommendation of the doctor. Attention to aspirin, because it is contraindicated in children, with the risk of Reye syndrome.
Hot or cold compresses
Apply hot and cold compresses to the inflamed area to relieve pain.
Monitoring complications
If testicular pain, severe abdominal pain or neurological symptoms (nausea, vomiting, drowsiness) occur, the doctor should be contacted.
Prevention
Vaccination is the best form of protection against mumps. In Romania, the ROR (measles-red-Russian) vaccine is included in the national vaccination scheme and is administered in two doses:
The first dose: at 12 months
Second dose: at 5 years
The vaccine provides long -term protection. Sometimes cases can occur in vaccinated people, who are much easier and without complications, according to A1.ro.
