Mumps outbreak in the news
A mumps outbreak made the news today. It appears that it is occurring at two universities in the north. Health experts are reassuring everyone that the outbreak is contained. They are putting the blame on the fact that when the single measles vaccine was switched to the MMR, not everyone was called back to receive the vaccine. Therefore, they are now seeing an outbreak amongst those in their early 20s. It is unfortunate, since those who suffer complications from mumps are those who are older. Parents who had refused the MMR in recent years due to concerns about autism need to be aware as their children may be at risk for developing mumps as well as the measles outbreak in the recent past.
The virus attacks the parotid salivary glands and sometimes, reproductive organs. The virus is very contagious and is spread through sneezing or coughing. It may take up to three weeks after infection before you show any signs of it, so you may be spreading it without knowing it. A person is contagious from about a week before any signs/symptoms to about a week after the signs/symptoms have shown up. The most common symptom is swelling of the parotid salivary glands giving a person the appearance of stuffing their cheeks. This may be associated with fevers, chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain with chewing or swallowing, sore throat, and headaches. Usually, the symptoms are mild and treated with analgesics/anti-inflammatory agents and plenty of fluids – mostly water. You should avoid anything that stimulates the salivary glands as this can cause pain.
Complications are rare but can arise in severe cases. These include deafness, decreased fertility due to inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, meningitis or encephalitis. Pregnant women who are infected may miscarry, but there is no evidence of any birth anomalies.
The best way to avoid getting mumps is through vaccination. It may not be 100% as is the case for contracting and surviving the disease, but it is very close. The MMR has been shown to be effective as well safe.
Doctors usually diagnose mumps through a physical examination. However, if there are complications and it is necessary to establish that mumps is the cause of the complications, there may be blood, urine or CSF (cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a spinal tap) tests that need to be run. It is always best to contact your doctor if you develop symptoms of mumps.
