Mumps

Mumps or epidemic parotitis is a viral disease of humans. Mumps is a disease caused by a virus which usually spreads through saliva and can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. Mumps was common till the mumps vaccine was libertinismed in 1967. Earlier the vaccine, up to 200,000 cases of mumps arised each year in the United States. These glands, that produce saliva for the mouth are present toward the back of each cheek, in the area between the ear and jaw. The virus is spread by straight contact with an infected person's sneeze or cough.

Humans are the only known natural hosts. As in the pre-vaccine epoch, most cases of mumps are still in children ages 5 to 14, but the proportion of young adults who become infected has been rising slowly over the last two decades. After a case of mumps it is very unwonted to have a second bout because one attack of mumps almost always gives lifelong protection against another. Blowup of mumps still occur in the United States, and mumps is still frequent in many parts of the world, so getting a vaccination to prevent mumps is important.

Mumps is a systemic illness caused by the paramyxovirus. In cases of mumps, these glands naturally swell and become painful. It is spread in saliva by coughs and sneezes. Hallmarks usually appear 2-3 weeks after coming into contact with the infection, but it can take longer. This gives an appearance significantly like a hamster having food in its cheeks.

Mumps can happen in un-immunized children, or adolescents and young adults who graduated from school before to the law claiming mumps immunization. All the same, in recent years there has been an increase in cases of mumps because some parents have chosen not to let their child have the  MMR vaccine.

Causes of Mumps

The common Causes of Mumps :

• Mumps is typically caused by the paramyxovirus.
• Bacterial (suppurative) parotitis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection.
• The largest risk factor is lack of immunization or occassionally in children who have only received the first vaccination at 15 months.
• A germ called a virus causes mumps.
• Droplets from coughs & sneezes.
• Lack of immunization.

Symptoms of Mumps

Some Symptoms of Mumps :

• Pain with chewing or swallowing.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.
• Dry mouth.
• Fever.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Feeling tired.
• Face pain.

Treatment of Mumps

• If an adult develops mumps they should parley the doctor, especially if a male with swollen, painful testicles (orchitis). In these cases cool compresses can be helpful.
• There is no certain treatment for mumps.
• If you or your child develops symptoms of mumps, recommend your health care provider for diagnosis.
• The swelling caused by mumps usually goes away in about ten days.
• Acetaminophen (tylenol) can be used to reduce the discomfort and fever.
• Ice packs applied to scrotal area for swelling .