MUMPS
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What is mumps?
Mumps is an acute viral infection which causes fever and inflammation
of the parotid glands, situated between the jaw and the ears.
It can also affect other parts of the body. Mumps can lead to
very serious complications including inflammation of the brain
(encephalitis) or heart muscle (myocarditis).
The virus can also lead to permanent deafness (1 in 15,000 people).
The incidence of the mumps virus in Australia and other developed
countries has been greatly reduced due to high vaccination coverage.
Outbreaks do however continue to occur and it is important to
maintain good vaccination coverage.
How is mumps spread?
Mumps virus spreads through direct contact with saliva through coughing, sneezing,
kissing or
sharing objects contaminated with saliva. The person is usually infectious for
six days before the swelling of the glands and can be infectious for about
2 weeks after.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
Mumps is easily recognised by the distinctive swollen cheeks and
jaw which may be bilateral or unilateral. Other symptoms include:
- Fever, headache and feeling tired
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Loss of appetite. Mild abdominal pain may occur
- Earache
The swelling of the parotid glands usually lasts 4 – 8 days. There may
be no symptoms or very mild symptoms. When males develop mumps after
puberty they may experience painful inflammation of the testes which
on rare occasions can lead to infertility.
The earlier in pregnancy the mother is infected, the more severe the
damage to the baby is likely to be.
What are the complication of mumps?
Mumps is often considered to be a mild childhood illness however it can have serious consequences,
particularly when contracted as a teenage or adult. Some of the possible complications of mumps are:
- Encephalitis - inflammation of the brain
- Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle
- Pancreatitis – inflammation of pancreas
- Hepatitis – inflammation of the liver
- Mastitis – breast inflammation
- Orchitis – testicle inflammation in one or both testes
- Oophoritis – inflammation of the ovary
- Thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid gland
- Miscarriage – if contracted in early pregnancy
- Nerve deafness – in one or both ears usually transient but can be permanent.
How is mumps diagnosed?
Mumps is often diagnosed by symptoms, or your doctor may arrange
for a saliva swab to be sent to a laboratory for confirmation of
the diagnosis.
To reduce the risk to pregnant women it is important for the whole
community to be immunised.
How is mumps treated?
The symptoms of mumps can be treated with paracetamol, rest and plenty of fluids.
As it is a viral illness it will not respond to antibiotics. A cold compress applied
to the cheeks and jaw may relieve pain. It is important to remain isolated to prevent
spreading the virus. Strict hygiene such as hand washing and not sharing utensils
is also important to reduce the risk of spread.
How can mumps be prevented?
The best way to prevent mumps is to ensure you have been immunised.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine prevents all three viruses.
The vaccine is provided free for all children at age 12 months with a second
dose given at 4 years. The vaccine is also recommended for all people born
during or since 1966. It is important to check your vaccination records to
ensure you have had two doses of MMR vaccine. If you are not sure of your
vaccination history an extra dose will not harm you and will give you
protection against measles and rubella.
Where can I be vaccinated?
Your doctor or local Government Immunisation Program can provide immunisation.
Travel health clinics, some community health services or some student health
services also provide immunisation services.
Remember to keep a record of any
vaccines you are given.
The vaccine is not given during pregnancy
and women planning a pregnancy need to wait one month after the
vaccine before becoming pregnant. They should also have a blood
test after immunisation to ensure the vaccine has provided adequate
protection.
There are other groups for whom the vaccine is not recommended,
particularly people with an impaired immune system. Before being
vaccinated your immunisation provider will complete a check list.
Is the MMR vaccine safe?
The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective; however as with any medication
unwanted side effects can occur. Reactions are generally very mild and
include feeling unwell, low grade fever and some pain or redness at
the injection site. Occasionally people who have been vaccinated may
develop symptoms of the viruses such as rash or mild swelling of the
salivary glands. The person is not infectious to others when this
occurs.
More serious reactions such as inflammation of the brain are very
rare and occur at less than one in a million doses.
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor
- Local government immunisation service
- Nurse On Call: 1300 60 60 24
- Maternal & Child Health Line: 13 22 29
- National Immunisation Infoline: 1800 671 811
- Better Health Channel: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
