>>General Info about Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral infection spread by droplet infection. This typically causes enlargement of one or more of the salivary glands. These glands are located on either side of the face, below the ears.

This gives an appearance rather like a "hamster with food in it's cheeks"

Etiology and Incidence: This is less communicable than measles or chickenpox. One attack usually confers permanent immunity, even though only one salivary gland has been enlarged. About 25 to 30% of cases are clinically in apparent.

>>What are the causes of Mumps ?
Mumps is caused by a virus known as a Paramyxovirus. It is transmitted mainly by infected saliva. The saliva is infectious for approximately six days prior to the onset of swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks called the parotid glands. The individual may be infectious for up to two weeks after the onset of swelling of the glands, but the peak period of infectivity is from a day or two before the onset of the swelling until very shortly after the swelling begins.

>>What are the symptoms of Mumps ?
The main symptoms are severe swelling and soreness of the cheeks and jaw. Mumps may also lead to encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or the lining of the central nervous system). Symptoms appear 3 to 7 days after parotid swelling begins and may include: high fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, convulsions/seizures, and other signs of brain involvement.

>>How can we diagnose Mumps ?
Diagnosis is usually based on the swelling of the salivary glands in both cheeks (the parotid glands). Mumps can be diagnosed by a blood test or culture.Persons who have not been immunized against mumps are the main risk group. Unvaccinated school-aged children are most at risk.

>>How can Mumps be treated ?
There is no specific treatment for mumps. Persons with mumps should drink plenty of fluids, get bed rest, and take medicine to control fever. Warm moist towels can help relieve the discomfort of the swelling. Children with mumps should be kept home from school or day care until 9 days after the swelling begins, or until the swelling goes away.

>>How to prevent Mumps?
Mumps is preventable by immunization. All children should be vaccinated to protect themselves and others from mumps. The mumps vaccine is part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine series given to children beginning at 12 months of age. As is the case with all immunizations, there are important exceptions and special circumstances.

>>How common is Mumps?
Before a vaccine was available, nearly every child got mumps. Now the number is much lower. However, children who are not immunized are still very likely to get the disease.

>>How do people get Mumps?
Mumps is spread from person to person through direct contact with saliva and discharges from the nose and throat of infected persons. Mumps can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or even talking.