Mumps

Mumps

Definition

Mumps is an acute infections disease caused by virus infections. It is common in winter.

Causative organism

RNA virus classified as Genus Rubella virus of the family paramyxoviridae.

Mode of transmission

1. droplet nuclei

2. direct contact with an infected person.

Incubation period - Varies from 2-3 weeks usually 18 days

Clinical Manifestation

·  Pain,swelling in one or both the parotid glands.

·  Ear ache

·  Pain and stiffness on opening the mouth

·  Fever

·  Headache

Complications

·  Orchitis

·  Ovaritis

·  Pancreatitis

·  Meningo-encephalitis

·  Myocarditis

·  Nerve deafness, poly arthritis and hydrocephalous are rare

Control measures

·  Early Diagnosis - The cases should be identified to take appropriate measures by health authorities to control the disease

·  Isolation- The case should be isolated till the clinical manifestations are cleared or subsided.

·  Disinfection - As virus is present in saliva, blood, urine. Articles used by patient, which come in contact with these should be disinfected.

·  Surveillance  -  By  surveillance  source of  infection,route  of  transmission  and

identification of cases and susceptible contacts is possible to prevent the further spread of disease.

Preventive measures

·  Vaccination: A single dose (0-5 ml) highly effective, live attenuated vaccine is now available for the prevention of mumps.

·  Immunoglobulin : A specific immunoglobulin is available, but its protective effect has not been established.