Introduction:

Mumps is a viral infection that affects the parotid glands, located between the ears and the jaw, causing swelling in part or all of the gland. The condition typically begins with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Most individuals experience swelling of the parotid gland in front of and below the ear, leading to cheek puffiness and jaw pain. Mumps primarily affects children aged 5 to 9 years but can also occur in adults, with a higher risk of complications in adult cases.

Key Signs and Symptoms:

The hallmark sign of mumps is the swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, which are the largest salivary glands located in the cheeks in front of the ear. While glandular swelling often occurs on both sides of the face, unilateral swelling may also be observed.

Modes of Transmission:

Mumps is transmitted through respiratory secretions, particularly the saliva of an infected individual, via the following routes:

Airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Sharing utensils or drinking glasses with an infected person or close personal contact.

The virus can spread a few days before glandular swelling appears and up to five days after swelling onset.

Engaging in activities in enclosed spaces, such as sports or dancing.

Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.

Symptoms:

After exposure to the virus, the incubation period ranges from one to three weeks before symptoms appear. The initial symptoms of mumps resemble those of

influenza, with the most common being swelling of the parotid glands. Other early symptoms may include:

Fever.

Headache.

Muscle pain.

Fatigue and weakness.

Dry mouth.

Loss of appetite.

Pain while chewing or swallowing.

Following these early symptoms, characteristic mumps manifestations appear, including:

Swelling of the Salivary Glands:

The most distinctive symptom of mumps.

Causes painful inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands between the earlobe and jawbone.

Swelling usually subsides within a week.

A chronic complication of mumps may include recurrent salivary gland inflammation after recovery.

Orchitis (Testicular Inflammation):

A secondary complication of mumps.

Causes swelling and pain in the affected testicle, usually affecting only one side.

Often accompanied by epididymitis and fever.

Symptoms typically resolve within a week.

Oophoritis (Ovarian Inflammation):

Affects approximately 5% of post-pubertal females with mumps.

Leads to pelvic pain and fever.

Neurological Involvement:

Occurs in 5-10% of cases.

May present as:

Meningitis.

Encephalitis.

Hydrocephalus.

Hearing Loss:

A rare complication that typically resolves gradually.

Usually affects one ear and may be accompanied by vertigo.

Pancreatitis:

An uncommon complication.

Presents as severe abdominal pain radiating to the back.

Occurs in approximately 4% of mumps cases.

Prevention of Viral Transmission During Infection:

Regular handwashing with soap and water.

Using tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of them immediately.

Avoiding close contact with children.

Staying home from school or work for at least five days after symptom onset.

Management and Supportive Care:

Getting adequate rest.

Taking pain relievers as needed.

Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding acidic beverages that stimulate saliva production.

Applying warm or cold compresses to relieve pain.

Consuming soft foods that require minimal chewing.