Mumps, also known as bof (in Dutch), is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects the parotid glands, which are the salivary glands located near the cheeks.
Here’s a breakdown of mumps:
- Cause: Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which is spread through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or sharing utensils or drinks with an infected person.
- Symptoms: The most characteristic symptom of mumps is inflammation and swelling of the parotid glands, giving the face a puffy appearance on one or both sides. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
- Complications: While usually a mild illness, mumps can sometimes lead to complications like deafness, meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), orchitis (inflammation of the testicles in males), and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries in females).
- Prevention: The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps. It’s typically given to children in two doses: one at 12-15 months old and another at 4-6 years old.
- Treatment: There’s no specific cure for mumps, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms like fever and pain with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Rest and plenty of fluids are also crucial for recovery.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about mumps:
- Mumps is most common in children, but adults can also get it if they haven’t been vaccinated.
- The incubation period for mumps is usually 16-18 days, which means it takes about that long for symptoms to appear after exposure to the virus.
- People with mumps are contagious for about a week before and after symptoms develop.
If you suspect you or someone you know might have mumps, it’s important to consult a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.