Mumps

Question 1

What causes mumps, and how infectious is it?

Answer 1

• Caused by a paramyxovirus from the paramyxovirus family, Highly infectious.

Question 2

How is mumps transmitted?

Answer 2

. Via saliva through airborne transmission (breathing, coughing, sneezing).

•By touching infected surfaces.

Question 3

What is the incubation period for mumps?

Answer 3

• 17 days on average (range: 12-25 days)

Question 4

When is mumps infectious?

Answer 4

• Infectious 6 days before swollen glands appear.

• Infectious until 5 days after gland swelling.

Question 5

How long does mumps usually last, and is it self-limiting?

Answer 5

• Mumps usually lasts 7-10 days.
• It is self-limiting.

Question 6

Can mumps occur more than once?

Answer 6

• Uncommon to catch mumps more than once.
• Provides lifelong immunity.

Question 7

How can the risk of catching mumps be reduced?

Answer 7

. By having both doses of the MMR vaccine

Question 8

What percent of people with mumps are asymptomatic ?

Answer 8

30%

Question 9

What are the prodromal (early) symptoms of mumps ? (7)

Answer 9

.fever
.headache
.feeling tired loss of appetite
.abdominal pain
.nausea
.joint pain
.dry mouth

Question 10

Where does swelling occur when someone has mumps and how long does swelling last?

Answer 10

.Painful swellings of one or both parotid glands (just below ears

•swelling of these glands can make the face look puffy, sometimes called a ‘hamster face’

•swollen glands usually last for 4-8 days

Question 11

What complications can mumps cause, which call for referral ? (5)

Answer 11

.Testicles e.g. orchitis (swelling, pain in one testicle if after puberty in 1/3 men; 1/10 reduced sperm count)

•Ovaries e.g. oophoritis (swelling, pain)

•Pancreatitis

•CNS e.g. encephalitis, meningitis (virus enters CSF)

•Hearing loss

Question 12

What group of patients with mumps should be referred ? (4)

Answer 12

More severe in:

.pregnancy (birth complications)

.immunocompromised

.co-morbidities e.g. diabetes ,hypertsion twin, lung disease, underlying long term health conditions

. infants

Question 13

What can a pharmacist advise for mumps to help with symptoms ? (4)

Answer 13

. Rest

. Take paracetamol/ ibuprofen for fever/aches

. Fluid- try ice lollies etc

. Warm flannel held against a painful patriot gland can be soothing.

Question 14

How can the spread of mumps be reduced ?

Answer 14

. Wash hands often with soap and water, use tissues when coughing or sneezing, do not share cutlery or bedding or towels etc

. Isolate from school/ work for 5 days