Mumps
Mumps is an infection caused by a virus (germ) and can
cause:
- Fever
- Headache
- Swelling and tenderness of glands in one or both sides of the
neck (called parotitis)
- Running nose and eyes, sore throat and ears particularly in
young children.
Occasionally serious complications of mumps infection can occur.
These less common, but more serious symptoms include:
- A mild form of meningitis (inflammation of the layers
surrounding the brain)
- Ear infections which can lead to hearing impairment.
- Swelling and tenderness of the testicles in adult men
(orchitis), and inflammation of the ovaries (oophoritis) in women,
though it is very rare for these to cause serious complications
such as infertility.
- Pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas.
Who does it affect?
Anyone who has not developed natural immunity or has not
been vaccinated against mumps.
You catch mumps by being in close contact with someone who
already has the infection. The virus is passed in the secretions of
the infected person's nose and throat.
Also, it is possible to catch mumps from direct contact with
articles which have been contaminated by the saliva of an infected
hankies.
How do you prevent mumps?
By immunisation. There is a safe and effective vaccine, which
protects against mumps. It is one of the "M" components in MMR
vaccine and a child needs two doses of this vaccine, one at 13 - 15
months and another dose pre-school. If a child or young adult has
not received 2 doses of MMR vaccine, this can be given at any age.
Protection can be life long.
By avoiding close personal contact with a person with mumps if
you are unvaccinated
Do you need to stay off school/work?
YES, Mumps is infectious for 2 - 7 days before the
symptoms first occur
and for approximately 9 - 10 days after the appearance of the
symptoms.
General advice is to stay off school or work for at least 5
days after symptoms first develop.
The incubation period (the time between infection and the
onset of symptoms) is between 14 - 21 days.
Do you need treatment?
There is no specific treatment for mumps but an appropriate
medicine to help bring down a high temperature should be used (DO
NOT USE ASPIRIN IN CHILDREN UNDER 16) and if necessary,
sponging down with tepid water.
For further information about mumps you can contact
your local GP who
can arrange immunisation.
NOTE: For further information regarding immunisation
clinics please contact your student services counsellor. For anyone
who is not in further education, immunisation is available
through your GP.