Mumps Disease Virus Symptom, Treatment, Cause, Picture, History, Vaccine

Mumps Information

Mumps viral disease affects the salivary glands in front of the ears and those under the chin. It can be very painful and cause more serious problems if it affects older people.

What causes Mumps?

Mumps is spread by tiny droplets of saliva containing the virus passed on through coughing and sneezing. The incubation period, the interval between exposure to the virus and the appearance of the first symptoms, may be as long as three weeks, and people may easily pass the disease on without realising they are infectious. Mumps can be prevented by immunisation with the MMR vaccine.

Mumps Treatment

There is no specific treatment for mumps, but the swollen glands are often quite painful. Paracetamol will help deal with pain and fever. Applying alternate hot and cold compresses (pieces of fabric soaked in water then wrung out) to the glands may relieve symptoms. It may be difficult to open the mouth because of pain and swelling, and using drinking straws may be necessary for a few days.

Mumps symptom