Mumps

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Viral infection spread by respiratory droplets

Question 2

Incubation period?

Answer 2

Incubation period is 14 – 25 days

Question 3

How long does it last?

Answer 3

Mumps is usually a self limiting condition that lasts around 1 week

Question 4

Is there protection against mumps?

Answer 4

Taking a vaccination history is essential when considering a diagnosis of mumps.

The MMR vaccine offers around 80% protection against mumps

Question 5

Presentation?

Answer 5

Patients experience an initial period of flu-like symptoms known as the prodrome. These occur a few days before the parotid swelling:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Headache
• Dry mouth

Question 6

What is a key feature?

Answer 6

Parotid gland swelling, either unilateral or bilateral, with associated pain is the key feature that should make you consider mumps.

Question 7

What symptoms of the complications may they present with?

Answer 7

Abdominal pain (pancreatitis)
Testicular pain and swelling (orchitis)
Confusion, neck stiffness and headache (meningitis or encephalitis)

Question 8

How can diagnosis be confirmed?

Answer 8

The diagnosis can be confirmed using PCR testing on a saliva swab.
The blood or saliva can also be tested for antibodies to the mumps virus.

Question 9

What kind of disease is it?

Answer 9

Mumps is a notifiable disease, meaning you need to notify public health of any suspected and confirmed cases.

Question 10

Management?

Answer 10

Management is supportive, with rest, fluids and analgesia. Mumps is a self limiting condition. Management of complications is also mostly supportive.

Question 11

Complications?

Answer 11

• Pancreatitis
• Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles)
• Meningitis
• Sensorineural hearing loss