Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which primarily affects the salivary glands. While mumps can occur at any age, it is most common in children. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our Pediatric Department offers comprehensive care for children with mumps, focusing on symptom management, preventing complications, and reducing the risk of transmission to others.

Symptoms:

• Swollen Salivary Glands: The hallmark symptom of mumps is swollen and tender salivary glands, typically the parotid glands located on the sides of the face. This swelling may cause a characteristic “chipmunk-like” appearance.
• Fever: Children with mumps often develop a fever, which may precede or accompany the swelling of the salivary glands.
• Headache: Some children may experience headaches, which can range from mild to severe, along with other flu-like symptoms.
• Fatigue: Fatigue and general malaise are common symptoms of mumps, which may contribute to feelings of weakness and lethargy.
• Pain with Chewing or Swallowing: Swelling of the salivary glands can cause pain or discomfort when chewing, swallowing, or opening the mouth wide.
• Loss of Appetite: Children with mumps may experience a loss of appetite, which can contribute to dehydration if not addressed.
• Earache: In some cases, mumps may cause earache or ear discomfort, particularly if the infection spreads to the ear canal or middle ear.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing mumps is typically based on clinical symptoms, particularly the characteristic swelling of the salivary glands, along with a history of potential exposure to the virus. Laboratory tests, such as viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

• Symptom Management: Treatment for mumps primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and promoting comfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate pain.
• Hydration: Encouraging children to drink plenty of fluids is important to prevent dehydration, especially if they have a fever or are experiencing difficulty swallowing.
• Rest: Adequate rest is essential for children with mumps to support their immune system and facilitate recovery. Parents should ensure their child gets plenty of rest and avoids strenuous activities.
• Isolation: Children with mumps should be kept home from school or daycare until they are no longer contagious, which typically occurs about five days after the onset of symptoms.

Prevention:

• Vaccination: The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective at preventing mumps and is routinely recommended for children as part of routine immunization schedules.
• Good Hygiene Practices: Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with individuals who have mumps can help reduce the risk of transmission.

While mumps is usually a self-limiting illness that resolves within one to two weeks, complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) can occur, particularly in adolescents and adults. Therefore, it’s essential for parents to monitor their child’s symptoms closely and seek medical attention if concerns arise.

 

What are the typical symptoms of mumps?

Common symptoms include swollen and tender salivary glands, fever, headache, fatigue, pain with chewing or swallowing, loss of appetite, and earache.

 

How is mumps diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically based on clinical symptoms, particularly the characteristic swelling of the salivary glands, and a history of potential exposure to the virus. Laboratory tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis in certain cases.

 

What treatments are available for mumps?

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and promoting comfort through measures such as pain relievers, hydration, rest, and supportive care.

 

How can mumps be prevented?

Prevention strategies include vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with individuals who have mumps.

 

When should I seek medical attention for my child’s mumps?

Medical attention should be sought if complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or severe symptoms occur, or if the child’s condition worsens despite home care measures.