Mumps Viral Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention.

Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that causes swollen salivary glands, headache, fever, fatigue, and muscle pain and mostly affects children. Last year, an outbreak of the mumps virus was reported in various Indian states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, and affected thousands of people in these regions. However, it can be prevented by effective use of the MMR vaccine and by maintaining a hygienic environment. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about mumps viral infection, its causes, symptoms, and prevention. Let’s begin.

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a highly infectious viral disease, caused by the mumps virus, that affects the salivary glands of the human body, causing them to swell. It is spread through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person, which can happen through coughing, sneezing, or sharing utensils. The virus can also survive on various surfaces, making it easy to contract if you touch a contaminated object and then enter the body through your face.

Though it was once a common viral infection, the introduction of the MMR vaccine has significantly reduced its occurrence. However, outbreaks can still prevail, especially in communities with less hygienic areas and low vaccination rates among children. 

What causes Mumps Disease?

Mumps disease is caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. This virus is highly infectious and enters the body through the respiratory tract and then travels to the salivary glands, where it replicates and causes inflammation.

The incubation period for mumps disease typically ranges from 12 to 25 days, and once infected, a person can spread the virus to others before the symptoms even start to appear, making it challenging to control its outbreaks. 

Who Does Mumps Virus Affect?

Mumps is most common among children between the ages of 2 and 15 years who are not vaccinated. However, children and young adults can still get mumps even if they are vaccinated, mainly due to a weak immune system.

In recent years, the mumps outbreak has been reported in various school campuses and close-knit communities where vaccination rates are lower, and hence, the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine remains the best way to prevent the mumps virus.

Symptoms and Treatment of Mumps Disease

The symptoms of mumps are usually mild and involve the treatment of its symptoms, as the virus does not respond to antibiotics. Let’s explore more about the symptoms and treatment of the mumps disease.

One of the most recognisable symptoms of mumps is the swelling of salivary glands, which consequently causes puffy cheeks and swollen jaws. This classic symptom of mumps is known as ‘chipmunk cheeks’. However, many people with mumps don’t know they are infected and show no symptoms, as the incubation period of the disease ranges from 12 to 25 days. Other mumps symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches
• Pain while chewing or swallowing

In some cases, mumps can lead to complications such as encephalitis, inflammation of testicles in males and ovaries in females, or hearing loss. These complications are very rare and more common in older adults.

Mumps Treatment 

There is no such antiviral treatment for mumps, and most of its treatment involves relieving the symptoms and avoiding complications. Here are a few ways to manage the symptoms of mumps:

• Get plenty of rest that helps your body fight the infection
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to avoid pain due to swollen glands
• Use pain relievers prescribed by your doctor to alleviate pain and reduce fever
• Apply either cold or warm compresses on the swollen parts
• Stay at home and avoid any physical contact with others to avoid spreading of the virus

If they undergo proper treatment, most people recover from the mumps within 2 to 3 weeks, but if the condition worsens, they should seek specialist medical attention immediately.

Prevention of Mumps Virus

The best and most effective way to prevent mumps is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses during childhood and protects your child against measles, mumps, and rubella. The first dose of the MMR vaccine is administered between 15 to 16 months of age, and the second dose is given between 5 to 6 years of age. In addition to vaccination, various precautions that you can take to prevent spreading the virus are listed below:

• The infected should be properly isolated to avoid the risk of spreading the virus
• Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, covering your mouth while sneezing, etc.
• Wear N 95 masks in crowded areas
• Clean frequently touched surfaces with sanitisers

How Safe is the MMR Vaccine?

The MMR vaccine has proven to be very effective and prevents 90% of the people from getting infected with the mumps. The vaccine also does not lead to any major side effects but may cause a rash and minor pain at the injection site. Moreover, extensive research has shown the vast benefits of this vaccine that outweigh any potential risks.

Protect Your Child Against Mumps Disease with a Health Insurance Plan

While vaccination against mumps is the best defence, having a comprehensive health insurance plan can ensure additional peace of mind along with various other medical coverages. Health insurance usually covers the cost of the vaccination, doctor consultations, and hospitalisation charges.

While choosing a medical insurance plan, look for one that offers extensive coverage, such as medical expenses, preventive care services, diagnostic costs, and hospitalisation costs, just like Niva Bupa’s insurance policy. Check out our well-tailored plans and ensure your child receives the best healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can you get mumps more than once?

   Once a child has mumps, it is very unlikely that they will get it again as the body develops lifelong immunity.

2. What are the ways for mumps treatment?

   There is no antiviral treatment for mumps, however; the infection usually passes within 2 to 3 weeks and involves treatment to give relief for the symptoms.

3. What are the viral causes of mumps?

   Mumps is a viral infection that is caused by the paramyxovirus.

4. How to prevent mumps virus?

   The best and most effective way to prevent mumps is to get the MMR vaccine, which is given in two doses during childhood.