Mumps (viral infection involving salivary glands)

Description A contagious diseas...

Description

A contagious disease caused by the mumps virus that produces painful swelling of the parotid glands (the salivary glands that lie between the ear and jaw). The virus may involve the testicles, ovaries, pancreas, breasts, brain and meninges. It is most common in children (2 to 12 years), but 10% of adults are susceptible to mumps. Complications can include sterility, hearing loss, encephalitis and rarely death. Mumps is spread by respiratory droplets that are released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects, surfaces, or eating utensils. The MMR (measels, mumps, rubella) vaccination given in childhood can prevent the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin with fever, headache, and muscle aches for 2-3 days followed by face pain, swelling of the parotid glands, and swelling of the temples or jaw (temporomandibular area).

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The presence of fever and swollen parotid glands in a child is sufficient to make the diagnosis. No further testing is usually required. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology test is available but rarely needed.

Other Specific Tests: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology,

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for mumps. The goal is to reduce symptoms and treatment may include: ice or heat packs, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Aspirin should not be given to children with a viral illness because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.