The Mumps Virus
Anyone can get the mumps. It is an infection that is caused by the mumps virus. If you are not immune to this virus from either having it already or by having the vaccination, then you are at risk. This was at one time a very common illness in children, infants and young adults before the vaccination program in the United States was introduced. Because of this program, mumps is rarely seen nowadays. Mumps symptoms are headache, muscle aches, tiredness, fever and loss of appetite. Once this is noticed then the person infected will find that their salivary glands under the ears will be tender and swollen. This can be on both sides or just one.
Complications for males who have the mumps is inflammation of the testicles. This is for those who have reached puberty but fertility problems are rarely seen. In females who have reached puberty, that can be inflammation of the ovaries or breasts. In early pregnancy there is a chance for spontaneous abortion. Another complication is inflammation of the brain or the tissue that covers the spinal cord and brain. The medical term for this is encephalitis/meningitis. The Center for Disease Control recommends that anyone showing signs of mumps should be isolated for five days after onset of parotitis. Treatment is non specific so supportive care can be given as needed. If you or someone you know has the mumps and they become very ill, a doctor should be consulted. It is wise to call ahead of time so this person does not need to sit in the doctor’s waiting room for a long time. This will keep the spreading of this disease to a minimum.
The only prevention is by getting the mumps vaccine. This vaccine is give in two doses and are at least twenty eight days apart from each other. The first dose is done at or after the child’s first birthday and the second is given a four to six years of age. This vaccine contain a combination of mumps, measles and rubella. Those women who are pregnant or anyone who has a weak immune system should not receive live attenuated vaccines. It has been seen that eighty percent of those who only got one dose will be protected. This vaccine is in every clinic and local health department. If you are not sure if you have been vaccinated, you can call your state health department for more information.
