Because of stringent efforts to control the disease through inoculations, most people today are totally unaware of mumps; symptoms, causes and preventative measures. While this is truly a testament to excellent control of the disease in the United States, this has not always been the case. Before an effective vaccine was developed for the disease, hundreds of thousands of cases of mumps were reported each year in the US.
Description of the mumps
The word mumps as linked to the medical conditions has been associated with an Iceland term “mumpas” which means “mouth too full”. Years ago, the English also used the word mump as a meaning for a grimace of the face, but it is thought more likely that the Icelandic term is intended when referring to the disease. The viral origin of the mumps goes back only to about 1934; a disease thought at that time to be an inevitable affliction for children. However, the disease was recognized going back to the 5th century when Hippocrates described the scientific form of the disease. There is only one type of mumps virus, and humans are the only species adversely affected by the infectious virus, which is spread through direct contact of bodily fluids. Children were known to be the most susceptible victims of the disease.
History of the Mumps
Prior to 1967, it was not a matter of whether mumps symptoms would occur in a child, but rather when the disease would occur. Research and tests had been underway in the search for a vaccine for several years. The first vaccine developed involved a killed mumps virus and was used for public inoculations for a short time; however, while it did produce initial immunity, it was short lived in terms of effectiveness. Several other vaccines were attempted, but none were fully useful until 1967. Since that time, when an effective vaccine was developed, the incidences of mumps in children has dropped significantly although not completely. The current mumps vaccine used is combined with measles and rubella, creating the familiar MMR immunization given to the majority of children.
Mumps Symptoms
A communicable disease, mumps can be spread by a cough, a sneeze, or by sharing utensils or cups with an infected person. Immunized individuals will not be affected by the virus, but anyone who has not received the vaccine is susceptible. Typical contagious periods are around seven days before the disease manifests and for about nine days after the symptoms appear. The virus takes up residence in the nasal passages and the mucus membranes of the throat, where it quickly multiplies and travels to local lymph nodes. Between 12 and 24 days of being infected, the virus enters the bloodstream; spreading now to glandular tissues, including the salivary glands, the testes and ovaries as well as the central nervous system. It is around this time that symptoms and signs of the disease will become apparent. In some people, about one out of every five, no symptoms appear at all to signal the onset of this disease. For the remainder of the non-immunized people, symptoms may include:
●Swelling of the glands on one or both sides of the face
●Fever
●Feelings of fatigue, weakness, general lethargy
●Painful swallowing (may also experience pain when chewing)
The signature effect of mumps symptoms is the swollen glands, which are dramatic on the appearance of the affected person. Anyone experiencing these symptoms in current times should immediately consult a physician. The signs can also be ascribed to other conditions, such as tonsillitis or issues with the salivary glands, both conditions requiring medical treatment.
Rarely, people who are diagnosed with mumps may face more serious issues. They can include swelling of the testicles in males, or inflammation of the ovaries in females. Meningitis, encephalitis and pancreatitis could potentially develop as well. Pregnant women could possibly endure a miscarriage if the mumps virus is contracted early in the pregnancy.
Treatment of Mumps
While quite infectious to those who have been immunized, mumps are not thought to be particularly dangerous. The rare instances when complications, such as those listed above, do occur could lead to life threatening situations. Treating an individual who has contracted the disease consists mostly of simply relieving mumps symptoms. Over the counter pain medications can relieve the painful swallowing and general achiness that may be experienced and cool compresses can soothe swollen areas. Rest and plenty of fluids round out the home style remedies. Antibiotics cannot provide any relief, as mumps is caused by a virus, which are not affected by antibiotics. With no complications, an individual with mumps should be fully recovered within a few weeks. (continued...)