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Mumps
Mumps is an infectious disease caused by a virus, the paramyxovirus, which is
spread by direct contact, as well as by inhalation of airborne droplets and
contact with infected saliva. It is no longer an inevitable childhood disease,
since a vaccine has been developed and has been used since 1967, nearly
eliminating the disease. But those who are not immunized can experience
symptoms such as fever, head and muscle aches and severe swelling of the
salivary glands, where the virus replicates. Mumps can have serious
complications such as hearing loss, and infected individuals sometimes develop
meningitis, an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spine. When the
patients are adolescents there are other problems associated with mumps
infection, since 20% to 30% of males who have reached puberty and are infected
experience swollen testicles, and 30% of women who have reached puberty and
become ill with mumps develop mastitis or swollen breasts. Both conditions can
quite painful. When pregnant women are infected with the virus there is a very
high risk of birth defect and spontaneous abortion.
The incubation period is quite long and the mumps virus can be spread up to 28
days after infection. The only treatment is supportive care, such as rest and
fluid intake, and there is no cure. However, there is prevention. The mumps
vaccine is usually given as a cocktail in combination with the measles and
rubella vaccines, in two doses given more 28 days, but less than 6 years apart.
The MMR has been the subject of controversy when claims were made linking it to
autism in children. This link has not been proven, nor has it been successfully
eliminated. Some children do have strong reactions to vaccines, but the dangers
inherent in not vaccinating children outweigh this concern, at least in the
minds of health care professionals. All three are serious diseases that were
once the major causes of childhood morbidity and mortality, as well as lasting
defects such as hearing loss.
Mumps was once the leading cause of birth defects and pregnancy termination.
Mumps, Rubella and Measles are all caused by viruses that are highly contagious
and have long incubation times and infective periods. There is no cure for any
of them and only supportive care can be given. As with any virus, there is
always the possibility that the virus can mutate to a more severe form. Given
these risks, most health care professionals continue to advocate the use of the
MMR vaccine.
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