Mumps

• What virus causes mumps?

  Paramyxovirus
• How is mumps primarily transmitted?

  Through saliva via airborne transmission
• What is the incubation period for mumps?

  17 days (12-25 days)
• When is a person with mumps infectious?

  6 days before and 5 days after swelling
• How long does mumps usually last?

  About 7-10 days
• What type of immunity do individuals typically have after mumps?

  Lifelong immunity
• How many doses of the MMR vaccine provide optimal protection?

  Two doses
• Is there a link between the MMR vaccine and autism?

  No evidence of any link
• What is the likelihood of getting mumps if fully vaccinated?

  Unlikely to get mumps or milder disease
• What percentage of mumps cases are asymptomatic?

  30%
• What are some prodromal symptoms of mumps?

  Fever, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite
• What painful swellings are characteristic of mumps?

  Parotid glands swelling
• What is a common nickname for the swollen appearance caused by mumps?

  'Hamster face'
• How long do swollen parotid glands usually last?

  1. 4 - 8 days
• What might a person with mumps experience in their mouth?

  Mouth may feel dry
• What symptoms may occur when chewing and swallowing with mumps?

  Chewing and swallowing may be sore
• What mild abdominal symptom may occur with mumps?

  Mild tummy pain
• What is a potential complication of mumps in females?

  Oophoritis - swelling of ovaries
• What is a potential complication of mumps in post-pubertal males?

  Orchitis - swelling and pain in one testicle
• What serious condition can mumps cause in the CNS?

  Encephalitis and meningitis
• What is a potential complication of mumps related to hearing?

  Hearing loss
• Who experiences more severe complications from mumps?

  Adults and immunocompromised individuals
• What are red-flag symptoms in mumps that require referral?

  Refer for severe complications
• What is the management approach for mumps?

  Symptomatic management, no cure
• What is the causative agent of mumps?

  Paramyxovirus family
• How is mumps transmitted?

  Saliva via airborne transmission from breathing, coughing or sneezing or touching infected surfaces
• How long is the infectious period for mumps?

  Approx. 6 days before swollen gland appears and 5 days after
• What is the nature of mumps?

  Self-limiting
• Can you get mumps more than once?

  Uncommon to catch mumps more than once = lifelong immunity
• What is the recommended vaccination for mumps?

  Two doses of the MMR vaccine
• What happened to vaccine uptake for mumps?

  Significant drop in vaccine uptake
• Is there a link between the MMR vaccine and autism?

  No evidence of any link between the MMR vaccine and autism
• What is the likelihood of getting mumps if fully vaccinated?

  Unlikely to get mumps or milder disease if fully vaccinated
• What are the prodromal symptoms of mumps?

  Fever, headache, feeling tired, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, joint pain, dry mouth
• What is the main symptom of mumps?

  Painful swellings of one or both parotid glands (just below ears)
• How does the swollen parotid glands affect the appearance of the face?

  Swelling of these glands can make the face look puffy, sometimes called a 'hamster face'
• How long do the swollen parotid glands usually last?

  1. 8 days
• What are the potential complications of mumps?

  Testicles (orchitis), ovaries (oophoritis), pancreatitis, CNS (encephalitis, meningitis), hearing loss
• What other symptoms may occur with mumps?

  Mouth may feel dry, chewing and swallowing may be sore, mild tummy (abdominal) pain may occur
• Who is at higher risk of more severe mumps?

  Adults, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, infants, those with co-morbidities