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mumps
MUMPS
Mumps is a self-limited viral disease characterized by nonsuppurative swelling and tenderness of one or both parotid glands.
It commonly affects the children aged 2-12 years and very uncommon in <1 year of age.
It is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus classified under Paramyxoviridae family or mumps virus.
Transmission is through airborne droplets from respiratory secretion of infected persons.
Incubation period is typically 14-21 days.

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
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