Written by Lone Parenting Advisor

Mumps

Mumps is quite a common childhood illness and is passed on via direct contact with an infected person. Mumps is more common amongst children usually aged between 2 and 12 years, although some adults are also at risk from the virus.

Mumps is a viral disease called the myxovirus which causes acute swelling of the parotid glands (salivary glands) which are found at the back of each cheek in the mouth.

The mumps virus (myxovirus) travels through the body using the saliva as it's host and at any stage the mumps virus (myxovirus) is likely to cause permanant unilateral deafness with a sudden onset.

It is thought to be associated with the vestibular symptoms but is not yet confirmed.

Signs and Symptoms

• Mild fever (approx. 38oC)
• Headache
• Acute sore throat
• Severe swelling of the parotid glands (salivary glands)
• Painful between the ears and jaw.
• Complications can involve swelling of the testicles (males), and abdominal pain (females).
• Mumps can cause permanant unilateral deafness.
• Mumps if untreated can progress to Meningitis.

Incubation Period

The Incubation Period for Mumps is 14 - 20 days after contact.

Treatment

Contact your childs GP for further advice and treatment of mumps because there is no precise medication for this infection and in infants the pain can become unbearable.

Observe the affected child to ensure that Mumps does not progress to complications such as meningitis or swollen testicles as these will require urgent treatment.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations against Mumps come highly recommended due to the severity and the possible complications (permanant unilateral deafness and possibly meningitis) and should be administered to the child between 12 and 15 months.

The vaccinations against Mumps are readily available at your local health centres.

Vaccinations against Mumps are excellent, but are considered to be more effective and less traumatic when combined with the Measles and Rubella (MMR).