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What is Mumps
Mumps is also called parotitis. It is an acute infectious condition caused by paramyxovirus (mumps virus) and characterized by inflammation of the salivary glands. It primarily affects the parotid glands, which is one of the three pairs of salivary glands. The parotid glands are situated below and in front of the ears. Mumps is highly contagious.
An infected person can spread mumps from a few days before their salivary glands begin to swell to up to five days after the swelling begins. The incubation period is 12 to 25 days. It is more common in children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. It can be prevented by vaccination.
It is rare currently because of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. The mumps virus can spread through the blood stream and cause inflammation of the testis, ovary, pancreas, or meninges of the brain and spinal cord.
Mode of transmission
It spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat. An infected person can spread the virus by: coughing, sneezing, or talking, sharing items that may have saliva on them, such as water bottles or cups, participating in close-contact activities with others such as playing, dancing, or kissing.
Pathophysiology of Mumps
The mumps virus enters the body through the mouth and nose. On entering, the virus infiltrates the epithelial layer of the airway and the parotid gland and proliferates. From here, the virus enters the blood circulation and spreads to other gland tissue and the nervous system. Inflammation of the parotid gland occurs with lymphocytic infiltration of the gland tissue resulting in interstitial oedema.
The drainage ducts of the gland begin to degenerate resulting in the formation of necrotic tissue. The necrosis and the presence of leucocytes cause obstruction in the drainage duct and swelling occurs. The mumps virus enters the body through the mouth and nose. On entering, the virus infiltrates the epithelial layer of the airway and the parotid gland and proliferates. From here, the virus enters the blood circulation and spreads to other gland tissue and the nervous system. Inflammation of the parotid gland occurs with lymphocytic infiltration of the gland tissue resulting in interstitial oedema.
The drainage ducts of the gland begin to degenerate resulting in the formation of necrotic tissue. The necrosis and the presence of leucocytes cause obstruction in the drainage duct and swelling occurs. The mumps virus enters the body through the mouth and nose. On entering, the virus infiltrates the epithelial layer of the airway and the parotid gland and proliferates. From here, the virus enters the blood circulation and spreads to other gland tissue and the nervous system. Inflammation of the parotid gland occurs with lymphocytic infiltration of the gland tissue resulting in interstitial oedema. The drainage ducts of the gland begin to degenerate resulting in the formation of necrotic tissue. The necrosis and the presence of leucocytes cause obstruction in the drainage duct and swelling occurs. The mumps virus enters the body through the mouth and nose.
On entering, the virus infiltrates the epithelial layer of the airway and the parotid gland and proliferates. From here, the virus enters the blood circulation and spreads to other gland tissue and the nervous system. Inflammation of the parotid gland occurs with lymphocytic infiltration of the gland tissue resulting in interstitial oedema. The drainage ducts of the gland begin to degenerate resulting in the formation of necrotic tissue. The necrosis and the presence of leucocytes cause obstruction in the drainage duct and swelling occurs.
Signs & Symptoms of Mumps
- Fever
- Headache
- Swelling of the salivary gland, puffy cheeks. Swelling may be unilateral or bilateral
- Swollen and tender jaws
- Ear ache
- Pain when masticating
- Anorexia
- Muscle ache
- Joint pain
- Stiff neck
- Photophobia
Diagnostic Investigations & Test
- History taking and Physical examination for signs and symptoms
- Saliva for culture and sensitivity
- Blood for culture and sensitivity
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Mumps Treatment
- Symptomatic treatment is given.
- Most people with mumps recover completely in two weeks with symptomatic treatment.
- Analgesics for pain
- Antipyretics for fever
- Corticosteroids for inflammation
- Vaccination of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months, and again at 4 to 6 years to prevent the infection
- Diuretics are discontinued for patients on tranquilizers.
- Surgery (parotidectomy to drain the gland especially in chronic parotitis).
Nursing Management of Mumps
The following are the measures to put in place in the care of patient's with Mumps
- Assess and record client’s level of consciousness.
- Assess the level of pain.
- Isolation and barrier nursing to prevent the spread of the infection.
- Promote adequate bed rest and comfort.
- Apply cold compresses on the swollen area to relieve pain.
- Ensure adequate hydration.
- Serve liquid foods to avoid pain which comes with mastication.
- Monitor and record vital signs.
- Monitor intake and output.
- Administer prescribed drugs and monitor for desired and side effects.
- Give scrotal support when there is testicular swelling.
- Nurse patient in dark room because of photophobia.
Complications of Mumps
- Meningitis
- Nephritis
- Encephalitis
- Mastoiditis
- Epididymitis
- Pancreatitis
- Orchitis
