What is Mumps?
Mumps is a viral disease that affects the salivary glands located near your ears. Mumps can cause either of the salivary glands to enlarge. It was widespread in the United States before mumps vaccination became mandatory. From that point forward, the number of instances has steadily decreased.
However, mumps outbreaks continue to occur across the globe, and the number of cases has recently increased. These outbreaks primarily affect those who haven't been immunized and through the infected saliva of the person.
Symptoms of Mumps
The most visible sign of mumps is swollen salivary glands, which cause the cheeks to swell. The following are some warning signs and symptoms:
- The enlargement of your salivary glands may cause pain in one of the two sides of your face.
- Muscle pains, fever, and headaches
- Weakness and weariness
- Lack of Appetite
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4 Common Causes of Mumps
Mumps is caused by a virus that can easily transfer from one person to another via infected saliva. Mumps can be caused if you come in close contact with the saliva droplets from an infected individual who has just sneezed or coughed. Mumps infection can also be caused by sharing utensils or drinks with someone who is infected by the disease already.
Mumps can be highly contagious, with symptoms similar to flu and rubella (German measles).
However, it has been observed from previous infection outbreaks that mumps is way less contagious than measles and varicella (chickenpox).
Mumps spreads quickly among people who live in close neighborhood.
In most cases, the virus is transmitted directly from one person to the next by respiratory droplets passed during a hacking cough. Less frequently, the respiratory droplets may land on fomites (sheets, cushions, and clothing) and then be transferred by hands to the mouth upon touching the infected objects.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
