Mumps: Symptoms and complications

Mumps is a viral infection caused by the virus of mumps. The virus is a RNA virus, a member of the family of… Paramyxo. It is transmitted by inhalation of infected droplets and by contaminated objects. After exposure to the virus and after commonly two to three weeks showing symptoms of the mumps, which in the typical cases include:
Swelling of parotid gland. The parotid gland is a gland that produces saliva and is located in the face in front of the pinna of the ear. The body has two parotids and swelling in the parotitis can be unilateral or bilateral
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Arthralgias
Weakness and fatigue
Loss of appetite
Pain during chewing or swallowing
Several cases, however, it is non-standard, with slight symptoms. Some people do not show symptoms
The typical duration of disease is approximately 10 days, during which it is recommended that adequate rest and isolation of the affected patient.
In some cases there are serious complications such as
Orchitis during adolescence. It is characterized by swelling of the testes, a situation which rarely leads to sterility.
Pancreatitis. It is characterized by inflammation of pancreas, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Inflammation of ovaries or breasts during puberty. Fertility is rarely disturbed in this case.
Encephalitis or meningitis. In this case, the virus attacks the meninges, or the brain and can cause permanent neurological damage or be life-threatening.
Disorders of renal function (glomerulonephritis).
Loss of hearing.
Myocarditis
Thyroiditis
Pneumonia
Arthritis
thrombocytopenia.
Miscarriage foetal development in pregnant women.
The diagnosis is made by clinical picture and with special blood tests.
The prognosis for patients with uncomplicated mumps is excellent. Measures that contribute to the relief of the symptoms in these cases are:
1. Drinking plenty of water. Fruit juices should be avoided, as they stimulate saliva production and may worsen the symptoms.
2. Adequate sleep.
3. The application halfhearted compresses to the affected gland
4. The use of some mild analgesics.
The first effective vaccine against mumps was introduced in 1948. Unfortunately, this strain of the vaccine had limited long-term effectiveness. Today, while there is no specific treatment for the virus there is an effective vaccine to prevent mumps.
After the introduction of mandatory vaccination in childhood, the disease has fallen dramatically in Greece. In many, however, countries, the mumps are in clusters, given that only 57% of countries belonging to the World Health Organization (WHO) using the vaccine. Therefore, the travellers should be particularly vigilant.
The vaccine to induce effective immunity should be granted in two instalments. Many young adults have been doing only one dose of vaccine and are incompletely protected in the event that you receive epidemic outbreak of the disease.
The vaccine is not recommended in pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant weeks after administration of the vaccine, in people with strong allergies to ingredients of the vaccine in people who suffer from ισχυρήργειες of the vaccine are mild (e.x. fever, rash, arthralgias), and last a few days. Rarely occurs a severe allergic reaction.
Despite the fact that concerns have been raised about the connection between the vaccine and autism, scientific studies do not suggest a similar correlation.
In addition to the application of the vaccine, the proper prevention includes meticulous application of rules of hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, frequent ventilation of closed spaces, avoid congestion, especially during the transition in areas with flare of the disease.
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