Mumps Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Vaccination

Introduction:

Mumps is a transmissible disease that is caused by Paramyxovirus. Mumps usually starts with mild symptoms and slowly spreads to the parotid glands (major salivary glands). Parotid glands are located right below and in front of each ear. Salivary glands' chief function is saliva production; the glands void their contents or secretions into the oral cavity through Stensen's duct, which opens near the maxillary molars. When the infection spreads to parotid glands, they appear to be swollen, painful, and tender. This gives the appearance of a puffy face to the affected individuals. These viral infectious mumps are rarely seen in developed countries like America because of the vaccinations.

What Are the Primary Symptoms of Mumps?

When a healthy person comes in contact with the virus, it usually takes about 14 to 21 days to express the symptoms. This is called the incubation period (the time interval between the virus entering the body and the appearance of the symptoms). However, the incubation period varies among individuals. Some may express mild symptoms, while others may not. The initial symptoms appear as:

• Rise in temperature.

• Chills.

• Muscle spasms and pains.

• Unwilling to eat.

• Weakness.

• Headache.

After the initial symptoms, the infection slowly spreads to parotid glands. The symptoms present as:

• Swollen parotid glands on one or both sides.

• The appearance of puffy cheeks with swollen jaws are typical symptom of mumps.

• The skin above the parotid glands appears to be red, painful, and tender to the touch.

• But one should remember that not all cases of mumps affect the parotid gland.

What Are the Complications of Mumps Infection?

Complications are seen when the viral infection spreads to other body parts. Complications are mostly seen in adults and become severe in people who have not received vaccinations. Mumps virus commonly spreads to other body parts such as:

• Brain: When the viral infection attacks the brain, it causes inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis. Encephalitis is a fatal condition leading to convulsions (fits), unconsciousness, and loss of coordination. If left untreated the patient may go into a coma.

• Meningitis: The brain is covered and protected by three layers of membranes called meninges. When the virus spreads to the meninges it causes swelling of the membranes called meningitis. Meningitis is a serious complication leading to stiffness of the neck, fever, and seizures.

• Testicular Inflammation: Testicles are mainly involved in the production of male sex hormones and maintaining sperm count. Viral infection of the testicles causes orchitis (inflammation of testicles), affecting the sperm count and thereby decreasing fertility.

• Swollen Ovaries: When the virus spreads to the ovaries, it causes swelling of the ovaries, known as oophoritis. The symptoms include fever, stomach pain, nausea, and abdominal muscle cramps. However, oophoritis does not have any effect on the fertility of women.

• Swelling of Pancreas: When the virus expands to the pancreas, it causes inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis. This causes pain in the stomach region, followed by fever and nausea. In some conditions, it may lead to stomach irritation also.

• Ear Dysfunction: Patients may find difficulty in hearing, gradually leading to hearing loss. This may occur suddenly or over some time. In some cases, hearing loss can be reversible or lead to permanent deafness.

• Miscarriage: During the initial stages of pregnancy, mumps could lead to miscarriage. Low birth weight babies, premature deliveries, and birth defects occur in rare cases.

Is Mumps a Contagious Disease?

Mumps is a highly contagious and transmissible viral disease. The transmission is through saliva. When infected by a virus, the salivary glands carry the virus into the saliva. Therefore when a healthy person comes into contact with the saliva of the infected person, the virus gets easily transmitted by:

• Kissing, sharing food, water bottles, and utensils (spoons and forks).

• Coming in physical contact such as dancing and while playing contact games.

• Wheezing, sniffing, and even talking could pass on the disease to the healthy individual.

• Salivary droplet infection can be caused through the nose, oral cavity, and throat.

• The rapid spread of these mumps infections mostly occurs in schools, college classrooms, and mass gatherings.

What Is MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) Vaccine?

MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), also called the mumps vaccine, effectively prevents the disease. It is given as a combination vaccine against three viral diseases, namely measles, mumps, and rubella. Recommended doses of vaccination are given to the child at:

• 12 to 15 months: 1st dose.

• 4 to 6 years: 2nd dose (before the child starts going to school).

The MMR vaccine is most effective in preventing mumps. If all the children get affected by mumps even after vaccination, they are likely to experience mild symptoms with fewer complications. The most common side effects after administering the MMR vaccine include:

• Fever.

• Pain and bruise at the injection site.

• Mild swelling of parotid glands.

• Allergic reactions (in rare cases only).

Some doctors may also recommend MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella). Parents must discuss with the doctor what type of vaccination is to be given to the child.

Can Mumps Be Prevented Through MMR Vaccine?

Most people who have received vaccination against mumps are protected from this viral infection. Those who did not receive the vaccination are easily infected by the mumps virus; in these patients, the severity and the intensity of the symptoms and complications are fatal.

However, mumps can also be seen in children who have completed their two vaccination doses. This occurs because of reduced immunity after vaccination. These patients exhibit mild symptoms and fewer complications when compared to people who are not vaccinated.

What Is the Treatment for Mumps?

There is no specific treatment for mumps. Medications are directed to relieve the symptoms like fever, headache, and fatigue. Relieving the symptoms can make the patient feel restful and comfortable. The following steps should be taken to manage the symptoms:

• Increase the intake of fluids.

• Plenty of rest is advised for the patient.

• A cold compress or hot packs should be applied to inflamed glands.

• Try to take pain-relieving medication such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen.

• Warm water gargles help the patient in relieving the sore throat.

• Patients suffering from mumps must be isolated to stop the spread of infections, and avoiding contact must be followed for five to seven days until the gland swelling subsides.

Conclusion:

Mumps is a viral infection that causes mild symptoms during the initial phase, when continued it spreads to the parotid gland causing swelling of the glands. Some patients suffering from mumps could present with severe complications. However, receiving vaccinations as per the directed dosage would help prevent mumps.