Mumps

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It is one of the commonest childhood infections.

There is only one serotype however re-infection with different strains is not uncommon.

Mumps was one of the most common causes of meningitis before the introduction of Mumps vaccine.

 

Transmission

Transmission- through contact with saliva or respiratory route.

 

Incubation period- 2-3 weeks.

The infectious period- 1 week before parotid swelling until 10 days after.

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Clinical presentations

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Fever.

Malaise, anorexia, headache.

Parotid gland swelling- usually bilateral

 

Complications

Ø      Meningitis

Ø      Encephalitis

Ø      Arthritis

Ø      Orchitis- infertility

Ø      Oophoritis

Ø      Acute pancreatitis

Ø      Myocarditis

 

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Investigation

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Depending on clinical presentations.

CSF- increase in lymphocyte

Amylase level is high.

 

Diagnostic tests

Serum (clotted blood) for Mumps IgM. False negative is not uncommon especially if sample was collected early (1-3 days).

 

Mumps antibody

 

Acute / recent                              +                                            +

 

 

Virus can be isolated from saliva and urine. The virus may also be detected on these specimens with Mumps PCR.

Antibody testing in saliva may be used for epidemiological studies.

 

Screening test

Serum for Mumps IgG

 

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Treatment 

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Self limiting illness.

Antipyretics

Respiratory isolation.

Symptomatic therapy.

Steroid may be useful to reduce the pain associated with parotid swelling.

 

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Prevention 

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Vaccination is effective to prevent infection.

Vaccination is recommended for all susceptible individuals over 12 months of age.

Outbreak can be controlled by vaccination.

 

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