Mumps Symptoms, Etiology, Treatment – Medicine Notes

Mumps Symptoms, Etiology, Treatment – Medicine Notes

Mumps is an acute viral illness caused by the mumps virus (Paramyxoviridae), primarily affecting the salivary glands and sometimes other organs.

Etiology

✔️ Mumps virus = single-stranded (-) sense RNA virus, enveloped
✔️ Family: Paramyxoviridae
✔️ Spread by respiratory droplets
✔️ Peak incidence in unvaccinated children (5–15 years)

Important Features (Mnemonic: “POM-POM”)

Feature	Details
P = Parotitis	Bilateral parotid gland swelling (painful, tender)
O = Orchitis	Testicular swelling, pain, risk of infertility (especially in postpubertal males)
M = Meningitis	Aseptic meningitis (most common CNS complication)
P = Pancreatitis	Epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting
O = Oophoritis	Ovarian inflammation (rare in females)
M = Mastitis	Breast inflammation (rare)

✔️ Prodrome: Fever, malaise, headache, myalgias

Complications

✔️ Orchitis → risk of testicular atrophy, infertility (rare)
✔️ Aseptic meningitis → headache, neck stiffness (common CNS finding)
✔️ Sensorineural hearing loss (rare, usually unilateral)
✔️ Pancreatitis (rare but USMLE favorite)

Diagnosis

✔️ Clinical diagnosis (parotitis in unvaccinated child)
✔️ Serology: Mumps IgM antibody
✔️ RT-PCR from buccal swab (confirmatory in atypical cases)

Prevention

✔️ MMR vaccine (live attenuated):

• First dose at 12–15 months
• Second dose at 4–6 years

Treatment

✔️ Supportive care: hydration, antipyretics, analgesics
✔️ No antiviral therapy available

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1. What is mumps?

✅ Answer: Mumps is an acute viral illness caused by the mumps virus (Paramyxoviridae family). It primarily affects the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands, leading to painful swelling.

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2. How does mumps spread?

✅ Answer: Mumps spreads through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, or talking) and direct contact with saliva of an infected person.

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3. What are the common symptoms of mumps?

✅ Answer:
→ Fever
→ Malaise, headache, and muscle aches (prodromal phase)
→ Swelling and pain of the parotid glands (parotitis)
→ Difficulty chewing or swallowing

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4. Who is at risk of getting mumps?

✅ Answer: Unvaccinated children between 5–15 years are at the highest risk. Adults without prior vaccination or infection may also get mumps.

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5. What are the complications of mumps?

✅ Answer:

• Orchitis (testicular inflammation) in males → can rarely cause infertility
• Aseptic meningitis (most common CNS complication)
• Hearing loss (sensorineural, usually one ear)
• Pancreatitis (rare but important for exams)

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6. How is mumps diagnosed?

✅ Answer:

• Clinical diagnosis: parotitis in an unvaccinated child is highly suggestive.
• Confirmatory tests:
  → Mumps IgM antibody (serology)
  → RT-PCR from buccal swab (especially in atypical cases).

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7. Is there a treatment for mumps?

✅ Answer: There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. Management is supportive, including rest, hydration, painkillers, and antipyretics.

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8. Can mumps cause infertility?

✅ Answer: Yes, mumps can cause orchitis in post-pubertal males, which in rare cases may lead to testicular atrophy and infertility.

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9. How can mumps be prevented?

✅ Answer: The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is highly effective:

• 1st dose: 12–15 months
• 2nd dose: 4–6 years

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10. Can vaccinated people still get mumps?

✅ Answer: Rarely, vaccinated individuals may develop mumps if immunity wanes, but the illness is usually milder with fewer complications.