Mumps Signs and Symptoms
Definition
- Mumps is a self-limited, viral disease that normally involves the parotid glands
- Commonly affects children aged 2-12 yrs, very uncommon in <1 yr of age
Etiology
- Pathogen belongs to the genus Rubulavirus, a single-stranded RNA virus classified under Paramyxoviridae family
- Transmission is through airborne droplets from respiratort secretion of infected persons
- Incubation period is typically 14-25 days
- Generally self-limited; symptoms usually resolve after 10 days
Signs and Symptoms
- Parotitis
- May be unilateral, bilateral, combination of single or multiple salivary glands
- Usually appears w/in 2 days after being infected, accompanied by earache & pain upon palpation of the jawline
- May present initially as earache, pain on palpation of the jaw angle
- Constitutional symptoms include fever (often moderate to high grade), headache, myalgia, tiredness, loss of appetite