Mumps
Mumps is a viral illness that is easily spread from person to person when an infected individual talks, coughs or sneezes near others. It may also be spread by contact with hands, tissues and other objects contaminated with infectious droplets.
Mumps most commonly occurs in children and adolescents, and around a third of cases are asymptomatic infections (they have no symptoms). The incubation period is usually 14 to 25 days, and individuals can be infectious up to six days before glands around the ears (parotid glands) begin to swell and up to five days after swelling starts. While most symptomatic mumps infections in children are relatively mild, adults are more likely to suffer complications. These can include meningitis, encephalitis, deafness and orchitis (swelling of the testicles) or oophoritis/mastitis (swelling of the ovaries/breasts).
There have been mumps outbreaks, usually in adolescents, in some countries where vaccination rates have fallen.
![]({"file":"857e9645-8c77-49a7-b2b9-f97b67f07639.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccination")
Symptoms
Symptoms are not always present; however, they can include fever, painful swelling of the salivary glands, difficulty chewing, muscle aches and tiredness.
Prevention
The best way to prevent mumps is vaccination. The combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule and is offered to Australian children at 12 and 18 months of age. Nearly all individuals who have received two doses of a mumps-containing vaccine will be protected against the disease.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. Paracetamol may be given to assist with pain and fever, and individuals should be given plenty of fluids.
Destinations
No destinations currently have an elevated risk of this disease.
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
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