What is Mumps ?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, primarily affecting the parotid salivary glands near the ears, leading to painful swelling. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact.
Symptoms of Mumps
- 1. Swollen cheeks and jaw pain (due to inflamed parotid glands)
- 2. Fever
- 3. Headache
- 4. Muscle aches
- 5. Fatigue and weakness
- 6. Loss of appetite
- 7. Pain while chewing or swallowing
Understanding the Impacts of Mumps on Your Health
Mumps primarily causes noticeable swelling of the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands, leading to puffy cheeks, jaw pain, and discomfort while chewing or swallowing. Though many recover fully, mumps can lead to serious complications like meningitis, encephalitis, orchitis (which may affect fertility), pancreatitis, hearing loss, and increased risk of miscarriage if contracted during early pregnancy. While most people recover fully, prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent these complications.
Consult Our Infectious Disease Specialist
- Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul, MD : Specializes in infectious diseases, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of mumps. Book Appointment
- Dr. Azela Glady, MBBS : Board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist skilled in managing mumps and viral infections. Book Appointment
- Dr. Dmytro Palii, MD, PHD : Experienced Infectious Disease Specialist known for a compassionate approach to mumps care. Book Appointment
Importance and Benefits of Consulting a Infectious Disease Specialist Online
Consulting an Infectious Disease Specialist is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of mumps, especially when symptoms like swollen salivary glands, jaw pain, or difficulty swallowing occur. While mumps can happen worldwide, outbreaks are more common in countries with lower vaccination rates or gaps in immunization coverage.Despite widespread vaccination, outbreaks still occur in densely populated areas, schools, and communities with low immunity, especially where healthcare access or routine mumps vaccination is limited.
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Our platform connects you with experienced Infectious Disease Specialist for accurate diagnosis and effective management of mumps. Easily schedule appointments, receive personalized treatment plans, and access expert care from the comfort of your home. We are dedicated to providing a seamless and convenient healthcare experience, ensuring timely care to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
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FAQ
Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs. It can also spread through direct contact with saliva or mucus, such as sharing utensils, cups, or kissing. Additionally, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes can lead to infection. Mumps spreads easily in crowded places like schools or public gatherings, and an infected person is most contagious a few days before and after the swelling of the salivary glands begins.
Mumps can be effectively prevented through vaccination, specifically with the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella), typically given in two doses during childhood. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and not sharing personal items like utensils or cups, also helps reduce the risk of transmission. During outbreaks, limiting exposure in crowded places and ensuring up-to-date vaccinations are crucial in preventing the spread of mumps.
Yes, mumps can lead to complications, especially if left untreated. Common complications include orchitis (painful swelling of the testicles) in males, which can affect fertility, and oophoritis (ovary inflammation) in females. It can also cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain’s lining), encephalitis (brain inflammation), pancreatitis, and, in rare cases, hearing loss. Pregnant women infected with mumps face an increased risk of miscarriage. Early diagnosis and proper medical care can help prevent or manage these complications.
Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxovirus family. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs. The virus can also spread through direct contact with saliva or mucus, such as sharing utensils, cups, or personal items, and by touching contaminated surfaces followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Once inside the body, the virus targets the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands near the ears, leading to swelling and pain. Inadequate vaccination or incomplete immunization increases the risk of contracting mumps.