Mumps is a viral infection caused by paramyxovirus. Although this infection has reduced considerably due to better vaccination in many developed countries, sometimes its spread is still seen. It is very important to understand its causes as well as its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention methods at individual and community level.
Mumps is a highly contagious disease and spreads rapidly, especially in crowded places. Having close contact with an infected person, such as living in a dormitory or attending school during an outbreak, are some of the factors that contribute to virus transmission. The virus is most contagious a few days before and after symptoms appear.
Mumps: Reasons
The main cause of mumps is the mumps virus, which spreads through droplets produced when an infected person sneezes and coughs. This virus remains alive even after lying on surfaces for several hours and a person who comes in contact with such a contaminated surface becomes vulnerable to Mumps disease. Apart from this, using dirty utensils of an infected person also spreads the virus.
Preventive measures:
1. Vaccination:
The most effective solution for mumps is vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is often given to children to protect them from these virus infections.
2. Following good hygiene habits:
Regularly following good hygiene habits also helps in preventing the disease, this includes regular handwashing which prevents the mumps virus from spreading. Avoid coming in contact with an infected person and avoid sharing personal items to prevent the spread of the virus.
3. Isolation:
The infected person should isolate himself from others, and avoid going to crowded places to avoid further spread of the disease.
Mumps: Symptoms
Symptoms of mumps usually appear 16 to 18 days after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue and loss of appetite. But the most prominent symptom is swelling of the salivary glands, due to which the cheeks appear swollen and the jaws also swell. However, it is not necessary that every person who comes in contact with this virus shows these symptoms, and this is why it is difficult to implement measures to prevent the disease.
Mumps: Diagnosis
Health care professionals confirm the disease based on clinical symptoms, especially swelling of the salivary glands. Lab tests are also recommended to diagnose mumps. In which viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is done. Mumps is confirmed only on the basis of these test reports.
Mumps: Treatment
There is no specific treatment available for mumps; its treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms. The patient is advised to rest, consume adequate amount of water, and use over-the-counter pain relievers. Cold or warm compress on swollen glands also provides relief from pain. If the case is severe and there are other complications, such as meningitis or orchitis, additional medical treatment may be needed.
Conclusion
Although the spread of mumps has now reduced significantly due to vaccination, it still remains a cause of concern at the level of some communities. It is very important to understand its causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures. Similarly, vaccination, adherence to hygiene measures and early diagnosis can also help in stopping the spread of mumps. Which has a direct impact on individuals and communities. By having necessary information about the disease and following necessary precautions, we can contribute to building a more healthy and safe society.
Note: This article has been prepared on the basis of information collected from medical reports from various sources of internet
Disclaimer: All the guidelines have been followed while preparing this article. The related article has been prepared to increase the knowledge and awareness of the reader. T.H.S. does not claim any kind of information and does not take any responsibility regarding the information provided in the article. Consult your doctor for more information about the related disease mentioned in the above article.
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