Topic: Mumps
Description
Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands caused by the mumps virus. The most common gland affected is the parotid gland which causes swelling at the angle of the jaw in front of the ear. There has been a marked decline in the number of cases of mumps since the introduction of an effective mumps vaccine.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include swelling of one or more of the salivary glands, high fever and headache. In males, tenderness of the testicles may occur, while females may have some lower abdominal pain. Occasionally serious complications can occur, including inflammation of the brain, spinal cord and pancreas, hearing loss and sterility.
If present salivary gland swelling progresses to a maximum size over a period of two to three days. The salivary glands return to normal size within a week.
The most infectious period for mumps is usually about two days before and four days after the onset of the illness.
Transmission
Mumps is spread by direct contact with droplets from the sneeze or cough of an infected person.
The time from contact with the virus and the development of symptoms is usually about 16 to 18 days, but can be longer.
Treatment
Usually no treatment is required. Paracetamol will reduce the fever and pain. Extra fluids should be encouraged as eating may be limited by pain.
Prevention
There is a safe and effective vaccine for preventing mumps infection.
The mumps vaccination is offered as part of a combined Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and is recommended for all children at 12 months of age and again at four years of age.
Control
People with mumps should be excluded from child care, school or work until nine days after the onset of swelling or until the swelling disappears (whichever is sooner).
Help and Assistance
For further information, please contact your local doctor, community health centre or nearest public health unit.
Other Resources
Related Content
Rubella fact sheet
References
Heymann, D., ed. 2004. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
National Health and Medical Research Council, 2003. The Australian Immunisation Handbook (8th Ed.) Canberra: National Capital Printing.
Last Updated: 12th October, 2009
Date Valid to: 30th June, 2010
