Health Updates-April 2010-Mumps

Mumps
Prepared by Dr Micha Halperin
Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands. It is generally uncommon in developed countries including Israel because of the widespread use of the mumps vaccine. However, outbreaks do occur, primarily because there are groups of people that haven’t received the vaccine. Recently, there have also been some large outbreaks in previously vaccinated people, which are thought to be caused by a slightly different strain of the virus. Despite this, vaccination remains our best protection, so it is important that children get the usual two doses – first at 1 year old and second dose in first grade.
The disease is spread from person-to-person and is about as contagious as the flu. Mumps is spread when someone swallows or inhales the cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person. The virus is also carried in urine. Symptoms occur between 14 and 25 days following infection, which may include: fever, headache, tiredness, weight loss (in babies), painful chewing or swallowing, and swollen parotid gland (the salivary gland located just in front of the ear) on one or both sides of the face. Inflammation may spread to other areas of the body. Some of the complications of mumps, which can be lethal, include: inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), heart (myocarditis), testicle (orchitis), breast (mastitis), miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy or nerve deafness, usually in both ears.
Diagnosis of mumps is usually made from the medical history, including vaccination status, and physical examination. Blood tests may be performed to check for antibodies against the virus, but these tests are not usually necessary for a person with clear symptoms of the disease. Blood tests are sometimes done to check if someone has been previously vaccinated. No specific medical treatment for mumps exists. Antibiotics don’t work because the illness is viral. Treatment aims to ease symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. It is recommended to rest, drink plenty of fluids, take acamol to reduce pain or fever and use cold compresses held against the swollen parotid glands. Isolation, for 5 days after the start of symptoms, is the best way to reduce the risk of spreading the disease. In most cases, mumps usually resolves within about two weeks. See your doctor if the patient has severe pain, high fever, or appears to be getting sicker.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent mumps. If someone, past Kita Aleph, has only ever received one dose, they should receive a booster shot at any age (except during pregnancy). People who are caring for someone with mumps should wash their hands frequently, particularly before preparing or eating food and after the toilet. Don’t share food or drink utensils. Encourage the sick person to cough or sneeze into a tissue.

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