What Is Mumps Virus? Know 8 Symptoms, Causes And Treatment Methods!
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Published on: 03-May-2024
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What Is Mumps Virus? Know 8 Symptoms, Causes And Treatment Methods!
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Viruses, mild like cold or flu or severe like mumps or COVID, can infect your health for a long and make you sick, affecting your daily lifestyle. One such RNA virus is mumps. But what is the mumps virus? Alarmingly, it is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, belonging to the paramyxovirus family. This illness primarily affects your salivary glands, leading to painful swelling and discomfort and the characteristic "chipmunk cheeks", particularly around the jaw area. While mumps was once a common childhood disease, vaccination programs have significantly reduced its prevalence.
However, outbreaks still occur, emphasising the importance of understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. The health ministry and news reports reveal that hospitals across the National Capital, Delhi, are witnessing an increase in mumps cases, a highly contagious viral infection. Highlighting this, Health Ministry data shows over 15,637 mumps cases between January and March this year. It is reported that most mumps patients are 6-7 years of age.
To help you better understand the mumps virus, this blog explores its symptoms, causes, and treatments to diagnose it early and get the vaccine immediately. Also, learn about the mumps outbreak 2024 in India to emphasise the urgency of speeding up the prevention process. So, keep reading!
Table Of Contents
1. What Is Mumps Virus?
2. Mumps Outbreak 2024 In India
3. 8 Alarming Mumps Virus Symptoms
4. 3 Major Causes Of Mumps Virus
5. Mumps Virus Treatment
6. The Final Say
7. FAQs
8. References
What Is Mumps Virus?
The mumps virus is a contagious illness caused by a specific virus, which falls under the family of paramyxoviridae. It typically starts with mild symptoms like headaches, fever, and fatigue. However, it commonly progresses to more severe swelling, particularly salivary glands, leading to symptoms like puffy cheeks and a swollen, tender jaw (parotitis).
Mumps used to be a prevalent childhood disease, much like childhood obesity. They are viral RNAs, primarily affecting kids between the ages of 2 and 12 who hadn't been vaccinated against them. Since the introduction of the mumps vaccine in 1967, the number of cases has decreased significantly. Nonetheless, outbreaks still happen, particularly in environments where people have prolonged close contact, such as college campuses.
Getting vaccination is necessary for protecting against mumps. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine for mumps is recommended for children to prevent this illness. While mumps are typically mild, they can sometimes lead to serious complications.
Mumps Outbreak 2024 In India
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's recent 2024 reports and news reviews, India is experiencing a mumps outbreak in 2024, particularly in Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR), with reports of increasing cases among children and young adults aged between 18 and 25. This outbreak aligns with the typical characteristics of mumps, which is caused by a paramyxovirus belonging to the Rubulavirus subfamily.
The average incubation period for mumps is around 16 to 18 days, though it can vary from 12 to 25 days. The spread of the viral infection is evident in various states beyond Delhi and the NCR. States like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, and Maharashtra have also observed a rise in mumps cases among children in recent months. This indicates a broader geographical impact of the outbreak across different regions of India.
8 Alarming Mumps Virus Symptoms
The symptoms of mumps can vary in severity, and some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all. Symptoms typically do not manifest immediately, with an incubation period lasting seven to 25 days.
After a few days, painful swelling of the parotid glands may occur. These glands, located between the ears and jaw, become inflamed, leading to a condition known as parotitis. Parotitis often affects one or both sides of the face, resulting in swollen cheeks and jaw, resembling "chipmunk cheeks." Parotitis occurs in 70% of mumps cases or more. It's essential to note that parotitis can be caused by various viruses and bacteria, not just the mumps virus.
You must seek medical attention if a child experiences the following severe mumps virus symptoms:
1. High Fever
One of the primary symptoms of a mumps infection is a high fever. This fever can be persistent and may spike quickly, often reaching temperatures above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius). The fever is the body's natural response to the viral infection, indicating that the immune system is actively fighting the mumps virus. If you feel a high fever with other symptoms, even after trying the home remedies for viral fever, consult your doctor immediately.
2. Stiff Neck
Mumps can lead to inflammation of the meninges, the protective cell membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can result in a stiff neck, making it painful and challenging to move the neck or tilt the head forward. Stiffness in the neck can be a concerning symptom and may indicate complications such as meningitis requiring prompt medical attention.
3. Severe Headache
Alongside the fever and stiff neck, individuals with mumps often experience intense headaches. These headaches can be debilitating, causing significant discomfort and interfering with daily activities. Headaches may result from the inflammation caused by the mumps virus and can vary from mild to severe.
4. Muscle Aches
Mumps infection commonly leads to generalised muscle aches and pains throughout the body, known as myalgia. These muscle aches can contribute to feelings of weakness and fatigue, making it challenging to follow everyday activities. Muscle aches are a typical symptom of many viral infections, including mumps.
5. Loss Of Appetite
Many individuals with mumps experience a decreased appetite, often accompanied by nausea. Loss of appetite can exacerbate feelings of weakness and fatigue, as the body may not receive sufficient nutrients to support its immune response. Ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration is essential for managing mumps symptoms.
6. Stomach Pain
Abdominal pain and discomfort may occur in some individuals with mumps, typically due to inflammation of the abdominal organs. This pain ranges from mild to severe and is accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. A healthcare professional should evaluate stomach pain to rule out complications.
7. Vomiting
In addition to stomach pain and nausea, vomiting may occur due to mumps-induced gastrointestinal symptoms. Vomiting further leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially in children. Monitoring hydration levels, trying home remedies for food poisoning, and seeking medical attention are crucial if vomiting persists or worsens.
8. Seizures
While rare, mumps can lead to neurological complications such as seizures, particularly in severe cases or when the virus affects the brain. Seizures may present as sudden, uncontrolled movements or loss of consciousness and require immediate medical intervention. A healthcare professional should promptly evaluate any neurological symptoms.
3 Major Causes Of Mumps Virus
The mumps virus, a type of paramyxovirus, is responsible for causing mumps. This virus spreads primarily through direct contact with infected saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected individual's nose, mouth, or throat. Transmission can occur through various means:
1. Sneezing, Coughing, Or Talking
Respiratory droplets containing the virus can be expelled into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks, potentially infecting others nearby. These droplets can linger for several hours and travel distances of up to several feet, making it easy for others nearby to inhale them and become infected.
2. Sharing Objects
Objects contaminated with infected saliva, such as toys, cups, and utensils, can serve as vehicles for transmitting the virus. Sharing these items with an infected individual increases the risk of mumps transmission. Direct contact with affected contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the face or mouth, can introduce the virus into the body.
3. Close Contact Activities
Activities involving close physical contact, such as playing sports, dancing, kissing, or participating in other social interactions, can facilitate the spread of the mumps virus among individuals close to. Even brief encounters can facilitate transmission and engage in activities promoting respiratory secretions exchange.
Certain groups of people are at a heightened risk of contracting mumps:
1. People with weakened immune systems: Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or maybe organ transplant recipients are more susceptible to mumps infection and may experience more severe symptoms.
2. International travellers: Traveling to regions where mumps is prevalent increases the risk of exposure to the virus, especially for individuals who are not immune or vaccinated.
3. Unvaccinated individuals: Those who have not received the mumps vaccine are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, as vaccination provides immunity against mumps infection and reduces the likelihood of transmission.
4. Close living quarters: Settings characterised by close living quarters, such as college campuses, dormitories, and military barracks, facilitate the spread of mumps among individuals in close contact, leading to outbreaks within these communities.
Mumps Virus Treatment
Scientifically, there is no specific treatment for mumps, as the disease typically resolves independently within a few weeks. However, to prevent these symptoms or after early diagnosis, getting an attenuated MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine will help protect against the mumps virus. Apart from MMR, there is another vaccine, MMRV (Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella), which provides extra protection against chickenpox. However, supportive care with proper management can help reduce symptoms and make individuals more comfortable during their illness. Note the following ways to manage mumps symptoms:
Note the following ways to manage mumps symptoms:
Ways to Manage Mumps Symptoms | Action Steps |
Stay hydrated | Encourage drinking fluids like water, clear soups, and electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration and aid recovery. |
Gargle warm salt water | Gargling with warm salt water can soothe a sore throat and reduce discomfort. |
Soft diet | Easy-to-chew and often soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yoghurt, and soup to ease swallowing and minimise irritation. |
Avoid acidic foods | Acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes can worsen pain in swollen glands. Avoid these foods until symptoms improve. |
Soothe sore throat | Sucking on ice chips or pops can numb the throat and gives relief from pain and inflammation. |
Apply cold or heat packs | Use ice packs or warm compresses on swollen glands to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. |
Medication | Non-aspirin medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve pain. To prevent Reye's syndrome, avoid giving aspirin to individuals with mumps, especially children. |
The Final Say
Thus, understanding the mumps virus is essential to recognising its symptoms and treatment options for effective prevention and management strategies. From the blog, you know that symptoms of mumps often begin with nonspecific flu-like signs, progressing to pronounced swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected saliva or respiratory droplets, making crowded environments like schools or dormitories susceptible to outbreaks.
Although mumps typically resolve independently within a few weeks, managing symptoms through supportive care, including hydration, pain relief, and rest, remains essential. Also, remember to consult your doctor if severe symptoms of mumps occur.
FAQs
1. Is mumps a contagious infection?
Yes, mumps is highly contagious. Children with mumps are infectious from a few days before their glands swell to up to five days after the swelling begins. Infected individuals must minimise contact with others and avoid school or childcare, as even asymptomatic individuals can spread the virus.
2. How is mumps diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose mumps based on symptoms and physical examination, often identifying swollen salivary glands. Tests like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swabbing inside the cheek or throat may be conducted to detect the mumps virus. Blood tests may also confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
3. What are the complications of mumps if symptoms are not diagnosed early?
Though usually mild, mumps can lead to severe complications, including arthritis, deafness, encephalitis (brain inflammation), meningitis (inflammation of brain and spinal cord tissue), oophoritis (ovary inflammation), orchitis (testicle inflammation), pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), and thyroiditis (thyroid gland inflammation).
4. Is prevention of mumps possible?
Absolutely! Mumps is preventable with vaccination. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, administered in two doses, is highly effective. As part of the childhood immunisation schedule, children typically receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months and the second dose between 4 and 6 years.
References
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