Mumps

Description
Mumps is caused by a virus. Symptoms, when present, include swelling of one or more of the salivary glands, high fever and headache. About 30% of people with mumps will have only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. In males, tenderness in the testicles may occur. Females may have some lower abdominal pain. Complications can occur, including inflammation of the spinal cord and brain, hearing loss, sterility (very rare) or death (extremely rare). Spread is by direct contact with droplets from the sneeze or cough of an infected person.


Incubation Period
12-25 days, usually 16-18 days.


Infectious Period
Up to six days before swelling of the glands begins and up to nine days after the onset of swelling.


Controlling the Spread of Infection
Exclude the child from the centre for nine days after onset of swelling.


Treatment
None.


Comments
Children should be immunised against mumps at 12 months of age and again at 10-16 years with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine provides long-term immunity. Illness provides lifelong immunity.

Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is intended as a guide only. Wollongong Medical Centre is not liable for any problems that may arise from incorrectly or otherwise applying information found in this website.


Further General Information

The following web site has information on infectious diseases: www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/ or contact the Division of Population and Planning on 4255-2200.

For information on a large range of medical conditions and problems visit www.mayoclinic.com