Mumps is most common in children between the ages of 5-15 years.
Cause
Mumps is caused by a virus. The incubation period is 2-3 weeks and the child remains infectious for a week after the onset of symptoms. The infection is spread by close contact or by droplet spread (coughing and sneezing).
Clinical features
Mumps is usually more severe in adults than in children. At the onset of the illness your child may have a fever and feel generally unwell. Swelling of the gland in front of the ear (parotid gland) and under the chin (salivary gland), usually on one side of the face, may cause pain on chewing or swallowing. Complications are rare with mumps, but include inflammation of the testes in boys. This rarely causes problems with sterility. Meningitis and encephalitis can also occur as a result of infection with mumps.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for mumps. Treatment is aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms, such as lowering the fever with paracetamol. Try to avoid giving your child sour foods, as this will stimulate the salivary glands and cause further pain. Your child may feel better on a liquid diet, as chewing may cause discomfort.
When to see your doctor
• if you suspect that your child has mumps;
• if your child has mumps and develops a swollen, tender testicle;
• if your child has mumps and complains of a severe headache, becomes drowsy, starts vomiting and is sensitive to light.
Prevention
Routine immunisation is now given to all children against mumps, in combination with measles and rubella (see Chapter 4). It is important to make sure that your child is fully immunised.
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