Mumps is a viral disease that usually affects the glands on each side of the face called parotid glands. These glands are responsible for producing saliva and can become swollen and inflamed with mumps. The swollen glands may be painful and tender.
The lack of proper vaccinations and healthcare facilities has made mumps one of the most commonly occurring childhood diseases in South Africa.
Symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 days after contracting the infection. However, they can also appear after 12 to 25 days after infection. Some children who develop mumps might show mild symptoms similar to a common cold, while many don’t show any symptoms. The first symptoms to appear may be similar to the flu such as:
Swelling of the salivary gland usually starts within a few days of the onset of symptoms and may include swelling of both glands or only one side of the face, pain or tenderness and swelling of gland below the floor of the mouth.
Paramyxovirus is the virus that causes mumps. Infected cildren have the virus in their saliva and sneezing or coughing can spread the virus in the air. Others can get the virus by breathing in the infected environment. People can also develop the disease by touching the surface infected by the virus and then touching their faces. Sharing, kissing, or other direct ways of contact can also spread the virus.
Some children are more prone to illness than others for several reasons. These include:
Contact a healthcare physician if your child shows symptoms of mumps. They will guide you on what you need to do and provide instructions to prevent others from contracting the virus. Once you visit the doctor, they will assess the child’s condition through a physical examination and evaluate their symptoms. The doctor may also ask for a blood or saliva sample for testing to confirm the diagnosis.
While complications are rare, in some cases, mumps can become severe. Generally, mumps affects the parotid glands, but it can also lead to inflammation in other areas of your body, such as reproductive organs and the brain.
Orchitis is an inflammation that occurs in the testicles due to mumps. Parents can manage their child’s pain by placing cold packs on the testicles. The doctor may prescribe painkillers to resolve orchitis. Also, female patients infected with mumps can struggle with swelling in the ovaries. Mumps can also lead to encephalitis or meningitis if left untreated. Therefore, contacting the doctor is crucial if you suspect your child has contracted mumps.
The treatment of mumps focuses on reducing symptoms to make the patient feel comfortable. Steps to aid recovery and lessen symptoms include:
The simplest way to prevent mumps is to avoid people who have contracted the virus. It is important to practice good hygiene such as washing hands after playing with friends, as mumps is contagious.