Mumps

Question 1

What is mumps?

Answer 1

Mumps is a viral infection spread by respiratory droplets.

Question 2

What is the incubation period of the mumps virus?

Answer 2

The incubation period is 14 – 25 days.

Question 3

How effective is the MMR vaacination against mumps?

Answer 3

Taking a vaccination history is essential when considering a diagnosis of mumps. The MMR vaccine offers around 80% protection against mumps.

Question 4

What are the clinical features of mumps?

Answer 4

Patients experience an initial period of flu-like symptoms known as the prodrome. These occur a few days before the parotid swelling:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Headache
• Dry mouth

Parotid gland swelling, either unilateral or bilateral, with associated pain is the key feature that should make you consider mumps.

It can also present with symptoms of the complications, such as:

• Abdominal pain (pancreatitis)
• Testicular pain and swelling (orchitis)
• Confusion, neck stiffness and headache (meningitis or encephalitis)

Question 5

How is mumps diagnosed?

Answer 5

The diagnosis can be confirmed using PCR testing on a saliva swab. The blood or saliva can also be tested for antibodies to the mumps virus.

Question 6

Is mumps a notifiable disease?

Answer 6

Mumps is a notifiable disease, meaning you need to notify public health of any suspected and confirmed cases.

Question 7

How is mumps treated?

Answer 7

Management is supportive, with rest, fluids and analgesia. Mumps is a self limiting condition. Management of complications is also mostly supportive.

Question 8

How long does mumps usually last?

Answer 8

Mumps is usually a self limiting condition that lasts around 1 week.

Question 9

What are the complications of mumps?

Answer 9

• Pancreatitis
• Orchitis
• Meningitis
• Sensorineural hearing loss