Mumps (epidemic parotitis) is a contagious viral disease, most often manifested by swelling of the parotid salivary glands located near the ears. It mainly affects children between 10 and 19 years of age but can also occur in adults; in rare cases, it can affect children aged 1–2 years.
Transmission
- through coughing or sneezing from an infected person
- by contact with surfaces contaminated by a person who has touched their mouth or nose
- by sharing food or drinks with an infected person
- by kissing
Symptoms
- mild fever
- swelling of the salivary glands
- pain when swallowing
- dry mouth sensation
- headache
- ear pain
- swelling of the testicles (orchitis)
In rare cases, the sublingual or submandibular glands may also swell. The swelling is initially unilateral (affecting one side of the face) and after 2–4 days becomes bilateral, subsiding within approximately 10 days.
Complications
- orchitis (inflammation of the testicles)
- infertility
- deafness
- meningitis
- encephalitis
- pancreatitis
- miscarriage (if a pregnant woman is infected in early pregnancy)
About 20% of men with mumps develop unilateral, painful testicular inflammation with scrotal warmth. There is an increased risk of testicular atrophy, and testosterone production may be affected.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent mumps is vaccination. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) provides protection against three diseases: mumps, measles, and rubella. The first dose is administered in early childhood, with subsequent doses given according to the national immunization schedule, often together with other mandatory vaccines.
