Mumps

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection that affects the salivary glands just in front of the ears. This is generally a mild illness, but highly contagious; contact with others must be restricted until all symptoms of mumps are gone, about a week after onset. Mumps usually lasts about one week. Complications from mumps are more common in adults than children. These complications include deafness, viral brain infection, pancreatitis, and involvement of the testicles or ovaries.

Symptoms:

1. mild fever
2. headache
3. earache

General Measures:

1. It is best treated with bed rest and mild pain medicine.
2. Encourage lots of fluid intake.
3. Avoid sour food, citrus fruits and juices.
4. Patients should be isolated until the swelling subsides.

Prevention:

1. Mumps vaccine is safe and is recommended for children.