Mumps

Mumps, caused by the Paramyxovirus, also known as the Mumps virus, is an infectious disease majorly affecting the parotid glands located below the ear and near the jaw. In this condition, the lower jaw starts to swell and become tender. Although mumps is a common condition for children below the age of 12, it can also affect adults. The disease might spread through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, and it can also spread through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva (e.g., sharing, eating, utensils, etc).

1.0Mumps Disease: An Overview 

The affected organ of Mumps viral disease is the salivary gland, which has three pairs of glands, namely parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands. 

• Parotid glands, located in front of ears
• Submandibular glands are present below the jaw
• Sublingual glands are present under the tongue and on the floor of the mouth.

The viral disease majorly affects the Parotid glands; hence, it leads to puffiness around the jaw and ear. 

2.0Incubation Period for Mumps

For any disease, the Incubation period refers to the time between exposure to the specific virus and the appearance of symptoms, meaning a person can still spread the disease even before showing the actual symptoms. In the case of Mumps, the Incubation Period for Mumps is between 14 to 18 days, and the symptoms appear anywhere between 12-25 days after exposure to this mumps virus. 

3.0Mechanism of the Mumps Virus

The lifecycle of the mumps virus includes multiple infection cycles, mainly affecting the respiratory system before spreading to other parts of the tissues. Here’s is the mechanism through which the mumps virus works:

1. Entry and Initial Infection: The mumps virus is an RNA that enters the body through droplets from cough and sneeze from an infected person. Once entered into the body it attacks the upper respiratory tract – nose, throat, and airways. The virus binds to the surface of the epithelial cells entering into the cells. 
2. Multiplication in Respiratory Tract: After entering the cells, it takes over the host cell’s machinery to replicate itself. It produces more viral RNA and proteins, causing the spread of infection in the respiratory system. 
3. Spread Through the Bloodstream: After infecting the initial site, the virus enters the bloodstream and spreads to other parts of the body, including the salivary glands. 

4.0Mumps Disease in Adults 

While mumps are common in children, mumps disease can occur in adults as well. In adults, mumps may cause a longer period of recovery compared to children. Mumps in adulthood is usually more severe and tends to cause complications such as: 

1. Orchitis: It is a common complication in post-pubertal males. It leads to painful swelling of the testicles. It sometimes causes infertility in males.
2. Oophoritis: The swelling of ovaries can be caused by the mumps virus in females, though less frequently than the swelling of the testes.
3. Meningitis: The mumps virus can, in some cases, cause viral meningitis, bringing with it fever, headache, and stiff neck.

5.0Symptoms of Mumps Disease

The symptoms of mumps can vary from person to person, depending upon the severity. Some common mumps symptoms are: 

• A low fever before the actual swelling of the jaw. 
• Pain in head and muscles. 
• A loss of appetite 
• Pain in the central abdominal region in some cases if the virus affects the pancreas. 
• The most common and visual symptom of the mumps is swelling of the parotid glands causing the cheeks to get puffy and tender. 
• As the parotid glands swell, it also leads to a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. 
• The swelling of parotid also extends to areas around the ears, causing pain this condition is known as Earache. 

6.0Diagnosis of Mumps

The Diagnosis of mumps is usually done by analyzing the visual symptoms of mumps which are swelling of parotid and fever. Laboratory tests can help in confirming the infection: 

• Serology: Blood tests are done to detect antibodies present in the bloodstream. These antibodies suggest a recent infection or past exposure to the disease. 
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reacting): PCR testing is done to detect mumps virus RNA in samples taken from saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, etc. This is the widely used testing method due to its fast and accurate results. 
• Viral Culture: In this, the virus is taken from a sample such as a saliva or throat swab and cultured in the laboratory. 

7.0Treatment For Mumps Disease

Currently, there is no particular medical treatment for mumps, and the primary treatment generally includes supportive care and managing the symptoms of mumps: 

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter medicines for mumps, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help lower fever and relieve discomfort from swelling.
• Hydration: It is essential to drink loads of fluids, especially if swallowing is difficult due to swollen glands.
• Rest: Adequate rest is crucial to allow the body to recover.
• Warm or cold compresses: Use a warm or cold compress to an affected gland that may soothe pain or swelling.

8.0Prevention of Mumps Disease

The most effective and common preventive measure for the disease is vaccination or immunization for mumps. The vaccine used is the MMR, which stands for measles, mumps, and Rubella, as MMR is used in the prevention of all three diseases. The MMR is given to all children in two doses: the first dose is given around 12-15 months of age, and the second dose is given at the age of 4 to 6 years. 

Other preventive measures include: 

• Avoiding contact with an infected individual 
• Hygiene practices such as Regular handwashing, or covering mouth and nose while sitting near an infected person. 
• Avoid sharing personal items with affected individuals. 
• Take precautions while travelling to areas sensitive to mumps 

9.0Measles, Mumps And Rubella

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella are three different contagious diseases that can be prevented by a single vaccine, the MMR vaccine. Here is the meaning of three of these diseases: