MUMPS

Mumps is an acute systemic communicable viral infection whose most distinctive feature is swelling of one or both saliva-producing (salivary) glands. It is caused by mumps virus, a negative-strand nonsegmented RNA paramyxovirus.

CAUSES

Mumps is caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person through infected saliva. If you’re not immune, you can contract mumps by breathing in saliva droplets from an infected person who has just sneezed or coughed. You can also contract mumps from sharing utensils ,formites.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

• Pain in the swollen salivary glands on one or both sides of your face
• Pain while chewing or swallowing
• Fever
• Malaise
• Myalgia
• Headache
• Anorexia

COMPLICATIONS

• Orchitis( inflammation of testis)-characterized by a painful, tender, and enlarged testis
• Oophoritis( inflammation of an ovary)-manifested by lower abdominal pain and vomiting occurs in women with mumps.
• Sterility after mumps.
• Encephalitis- inflammation of the brain.
• Pancreatitis( inflammation of the pancreas)- include pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting.
• Hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur in one or both ears.
• Contracting mumps while you’re pregnant, especially early in your pregnancy, may lead to miscarriage.

PREVENTION

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren’t clean.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Avoid large events and mass gatherings.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you’re sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch on a daily basis.
• Stay home from work, school and public areas if you’re sick, unless you’re going to get medical care. Avoid taking public transportation if you’re sick.

DIAGNOSIS

Laboratory diagnosis is generally based on detection of viral antigens or RNA in clinical samples (e.g., throat swab, CSF, urine, seminal fluid) via immunofluorescence or reverse-transcription PCR.

TREATMENT

HOMEOPATHY MEDICINE