What are mumps symptoms, causes, risk factors, and diagnosis?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, leading to symptoms such as swelling and pain in the cheeks and jaw. Here's an overview of its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and diagnosis:

1. Symptoms:

• Swelling and pain in one or both parotid glands (located below and in front of the ears)

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Pain while chewing or swallowing

• Swelling of the testicles (orchitis) in males post-puberty

• Swelling of the ovaries (oophoritis) in females post-puberty

2. Causes:

• Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which is spread through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking of an infected person.

• The virus can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with infected saliva and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

3. Risk factors:

• Age: Mumps is more common in children aged 5 to 15 years who have not been vaccinated.

• Close contact: Being in close contact with someone infected with the mumps virus increases the risk of transmission.

• Certain settings: Living in crowded environments such as dormitories or attending schools with poor vaccination coverage increases the risk of outbreaks.

4. Diagnosis:

• Physical examination: A doctor may diagnose mumps based on characteristic symptoms, such as parotid gland swelling and tenderness.

• Laboratory tests: Blood tests may be performed to detect the presence of mumps-specific antibodies or to isolate the virus from saliva, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing: PCR tests can detect mumps virus genetic material in samples from the throat, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.

It's essential to see a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms suggestive of mumps, especially if you haven't been vaccinated or are at risk of complications. Treatment typically involves supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and pain relief medication. In some cases, complications such as meningitis or encephalitis may occur, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for prevention