Let's learn more about mumps. Don't be afraid, let's talk!

Has your little one suddenly got a rash on their cheeks, like a baby squirrel? Do you also say they have a fever and aches? In most cases, this could be the mumps we've all heard of. It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear this name, but don't worry. Let's talk about it all in detail and simply.

What exactly is mumps?

Simply put, mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It is caused by a virus belonging to the paramyxoviruses group of viruses. The illness usually starts like a cold. Symptoms such as headache, body aches, and fatigue are the first to appear.

But then the characteristic symptom of this disease appears. That is the swelling of the salivary glands on both sides of our cheeks and below the ears. This swelling is medically called parotitis. This is why the cheeks look swollen and the jaw area also looks swollen.

Mumps used to be a very common disease among young children. However, after the introduction of the mumps vaccine in 1967, the number of cases of the disease decreased significantly. However, mumps outbreaks still occur, especially in crowded places like university dormitories.

The best way to protect your child from this disease is to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine on time. Although mumps is usually not a serious disease, it can sometimes cause serious complications.

Who is most likely to get this disease?

Mumps is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 12 who have not received the mumps vaccine. However, even if they have been vaccinated, young people and adults can also get the disease. This is because the immunity provided by the vaccine can wane a few years after being vaccinated. However, the best and only way to protect yourself from mumps is to get both doses of the vaccine as scheduled.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

The initial symptoms are very mild. Some people can have the virus without any symptoms. So they don't even know they have it. It can take between 7 and 25 days for the virus to enter the body and for symptoms to appear. We call this the ``incubation period``.

Let's clearly separate the symptoms.

How is mumps spread?

Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that is spread through direct contact with the saliva or respiratory droplets (emitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes).

It can be spread this way:

• When coughing, sneezing, or talking.
• When sharing items such as toys, cups, and spoons that have been contaminated with infected saliva.
• During close contact, such as when playing sports, dancing, or kissing.

Who is at higher risk of developing this disease?

• For those with a weak immune system: People with weakened immune systems due to other diseases or medications can develop the disease more easily.
• For those traveling internationally: The risk of exposure to the virus is higher in other countries.
• For those who have not been vaccinated: These are the people at greatest risk.
• People who live in close proximity: People who live in places like university dormitories and military bases are more likely to catch the disease from each other.

How long is this disease contagious?

Yes, mumps is very contagious. If your child has mumps, he or she can spread the disease to others from a few days before the salivary glands start to swell and up to 5 days after the swelling starts . Therefore, it is important to keep your child away from other people during this time. It is not a good idea to send them to school or daycare. Remember that people who do not have symptoms can spread the disease.

How does a doctor know for sure that this is mumps?

Your doctor will ask you about your child's symptoms and examine your child. Often, the swelling on the cheeks will be enough to diagnose mumps.

But sometimes tests can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

• PCR test: The doctor uses a swab to take a sample of mucus from the inside of the child's cheek or throat and sends it to a laboratory to check for the presence of the mumps virus.
• Blood test: A blood sample can be taken to confirm the disease or to check for other conditions that may be causing the salivary glands to swell.

What are the treatments for mumps?

There is no specific medicine to kill the mumps virus. Since it is a viral disease, the body's immune system must fight and cure it. The disease usually clears up on its own in about two weeks.

Our treatment is to control the symptoms and make the child as comfortable as possible. This can be done by doing the following:

• Give plenty of fluids to drink: things like water, fruit juice, and porridge.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water: This will reduce pain in the throat and mouth.
• Give soft, easy-to-chew foods: things like rice, soup, and yogurt.
• Do not give sour foods and drinks: Things like oranges and lemons can increase saliva production and increase pain.
• Apply ice packs or warm compresses to swollen areas: This can reduce pain and swelling.
• Give painkillers and fever-reducing medications: You can give medications like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen as directed by your doctor.

How long does it take to recover from the disease? Are there any complications?

Most children recover completely within a few weeks. The child can return to school about a week after the symptoms have subsided and the swelling has subsided. Once someone has had mumps, the risk of getting it again in their lifetime is very low.

Although mumps is usually not serious, serious complications can sometimes occur. These are very rare.

• Arthritis: Joint swelling and pain.
• Deafness: Permanent hearing loss (very rare).
• Encephalitis: Swelling of the brain.
• Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• Orchitis: Inflammation of the testicles in boys, especially young boys. This can lead to infertility later in life.
• Oophoritis: Inflammation of the ovaries in girls.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.

Mumps during pregnancy is usually harmless. However, in rare cases, it can cause miscarriage or premature birth. If you are pregnant and have been exposed to someone with mumps, see your doctor immediately.

Can't mumps be prevented?

Of course you can! Mumps is a disease that can be very successfully prevented by a vaccine. That's why we call it the MMR vaccine . This provides protection against all three diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

According to Sri Lanka's National Immunization Program, every child is given two doses of this vaccine.

• The first dose is between 12-15 months of age.
• The second dose is between 4-6 years of age.

Check your child's vaccination record to make sure both doses are given on time. That's the best thing you can do for your child.

Is the MMR vaccine safe?

Yes, the MMR vaccine is a very safe and effective vaccine. It is about 90% effective. Most children do not experience any side effects. Sometimes, minor things like slight redness, pain, a slight fever, or small blisters on the skin may occur at the injection site.

Very rarely, a child may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. If your child experiences difficulty breathing, turns blue, or feels tired shortly after receiving the vaccine, see a doctor immediately.

Before vaccinating your child, talk to your doctor about the following:

• Has the child had seizures before, or has anyone in the family had them?
• Do you take medications that suppress your immune system?
• Do you have a blood-related disease?
• Have you ever had a severe allergic reaction to an MMR vaccine or any other vaccine before?

Mumps, mumps, MMR vaccine, childhood diseases, infectious diseases, cheek swelling, parotitis