Mumps is a viral disease which causes acute swelling of the parotid glands (salivary glands) which are found at the back of each cheek in the mouth. Mumps travels through the body using the saliva as it’s host and at any stage the mumps virus is likely to cause permanant unilateral deafness with a sudden onset and it is thought to be associated with the vestibular symptoms but is not yet confirmed.
Signs and Symptoms of Mumps Myxovirus
- 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 of Mumps Myxovirus
The Incubation Period for Mumps myxovirus is 14 – 20 days after contact.
Treatment for Mumps Myxovirus
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 for Mumps Myxovirus
Vaccinations against the Mumps virus 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 myxovirus are readily available at your local health centres and the vaccinations against Mumps myxovirus are excellent, but are considered to be more effective and less traumatic when combined with the Measles and Rubella (MMR).