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

Is your little one's cheeks suddenly swollen and crying in pain? Is it difficult to eat? This condition that many parents fear is called mumps, or mumps. This is a disease caused by a virus. But there is nothing to be afraid of. If we are aware of this, we can deal with it properly. Let's talk about everything clearly.

Simply put, what is mumps?

Mumps is an infection caused by a virus. It is similar to the common cold and the flu. It can spread very quickly from person to person. It is spread primarily through saliva and mucus from the nose and throat. Young children who have not been vaccinated against mumps are at higher risk of developing the disease.

Although this virus can affect any part of the body, it most commonly affects the salivary glands located in front of and below our ears. We medically call these the parotid glands. When infected with the virus, these glands begin to swell. The main and most obvious symptom of mumps is swollen cheeks and jaw area .

This disease was very common in the past, but since the introduction of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in 1967, the disease has become much less common.

How is mumps spread?

Mumps is caused by a virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family. It is very contagious. Imagine, when someone who is sick talks, coughs, or sneezes near you, tiny droplets of saliva that come out of their mouth can enter your body and cause the disease.

Other ways of transmission are:

• Kissing an infected person.
• Sharing items like water bottles, cups, cutlery, etc.
• You touch things (doorknobs, toys) that an infected person has touched without washing their hands properly.
• Hanging out close, like when playing sports.

In Sri Lanka and many other countries around the world, there is a greater chance of this disease spreading in crowded places, such as schools, university dormitories, and camps.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

It usually takes about two to three weeks for the virus to enter the body and for symptoms to appear. This period is called the ``incubation period.'' During this time, even if the patient does not show symptoms, the virus can still be transmitted to another person.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

Although the word mumps often brings to mind swelling and pain in the face and jaw, other symptoms can appear a few days before those symptoms appear. I'll show you a table to make these easier to understand.

When to go to a hospital (ETU) immediately

Sometimes this disease can be quite serious. If you or your child has these symptoms, go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.

• Difficulty breathing.
• Extreme drowsiness, difficulty waking up.
• Vomiting and severe stomach cramps.
• Severe headache and neck stiffness.
• Deformity (a condition similar to a fit).
• Dehydration: This is especially dangerous for young children. Signs of dehydration include no tears when crying, no urination for more than 3 hours, and a very lethargic child.

How it affects the elderly and pregnant mothers

Although mumps is most common in young children, it can affect anyone of any age. If you are an adult, if you did not have mumps as a child, and have not received the MMR vaccine, it is wise to talk to your doctor about getting at least one dose of the vaccine now.

What if I get mumps during pregnancy?

Most of the time, mumps during pregnancy does not harm the baby. However, in rare cases , especially in the first trimester, it can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. Therefore, if you are a pregnant mother and have been in contact with someone who has mumps, inform your doctor immediately.

Does a little baby have mumps?

Mumps is very rare in babies under one year of age. This is because if the mother has received the MMR vaccine, the baby receives antibodies from the mother during pregnancy. This protection lasts for about a year. That is why the first MMR vaccine is given to the baby after 12 months.

How is it treated?

If you suspect you have mumps, the first thing you should do is see a doctor to confirm it. Since mumps is a viral infection, there is no specific medicine to cure it. Antibiotics will not cure it, as they only work against bacteria.

So what we need to do is manage the symptoms and allow the body to fight the virus and heal itself. There are a few things that can help with this:

• Rest: Get plenty of sleep and rest. This will give your immune system the strength to fight the virus.
• Fluids: Drink plenty of water, fruit juices (not sour), and soups. It is very important to avoid dehydration. Avoid sour drinks like oranges and tangerines, as they can aggravate a sore throat.
• Soft foods: Since it is difficult to chew, eat soft foods like mashed rice, soup, yogurt, and porridge.
• Swelling Treatment: Apply a warm compress or an ice pack to your swollen cheeks. See which method provides relief. Applying an ice pack to swollen testicles can help reduce pain.
• Painkillers: You can take a painkiller like paracetamol on medical advice. Never give aspirin to children without medical advice. It can cause a dangerous brain condition called Reye's syndrome.
• Stay home: Stay away from other people for at least 5 days after your glands start to swell. Don't go to school or work. This can help prevent spreading the disease to others.

If your symptoms do not improve after a week, see your doctor again.

Complications of mumps

Although mumps usually resolves within a few days, serious complications can occur rarely. This risk is particularly high in unvaccinated people and the elderly.

Prevention is the best!

The best and most effective way to prevent mumps is to get the MMR vaccine. This vaccine protects you and your child against all three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

According to Sri Lanka's national vaccination program, every child is given two doses of the MMR vaccine.

1. First dose: At 12 months of age

2. Second dose: At age 3 years

When both doses of these vaccines are received correctly, the risk of developing mumps is reduced by more than 90%. Even if it does occur, it is very mild and usually resolves.

If your child has mumps, do these things to prevent spreading it to others:

• Wash your child's and your hands thoroughly with soap regularly.
• Do not share items such as water bottles and dishes.
• Carefully remove the tissue paper used by the child.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and light switches, with disinfectant.

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