Mumps is caused by a virus and the infection is contagious. Mumps are caught only once, the person is subsequently immune. This disease particularly affects children under 10 years and is usually mild at this age. The virus can settle in the parotid glands (major salivary glands), pancreas, testes or the nervous system.
Inflammation of the parotid glands (most common) represses the lobe and swelling of the face on one side then the other side. The child has difficulty swallowing and salivary gland infections are painful, at least when pressing them.
Inflammation of the testicles caused by mumps in children is mild, but more severe in adolescents or adults. The subject experiences abdominal pain and high fever. If inflammation of the testicles is complicated, there is a risk of infertility (rare). Rarely, the mumps virus may reach the ovaries of pubescent girls.
If the pancreas is infected, the inflammation causes vomiting.
When the virus lodges in the nervous system, the subject experiences the symptoms of meningitis. Deafness (very rare) is expected if the virus reaches the cranial nerves.
The child that has mumps should rest, drink a lot and eat foods that are easy to swallow. The swelling usually goes away after five days, there is no treatment against a virus, only time allows the immune system to fight it. Medications can relieve the pain of the child.
If the disease persists longer or that the child has a stiff neck, it is suggested to consult a doctor. Teenager or adult who notices a swelling of the testicles should consult a doctor.
The best prevention against mumps remains the vaccination.
12 mai 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |