Immunization with mumps vaccine is a general preventive measure of mumps.
This vaccine can be given separately or as a part of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunization vaccine.
MMR immunization vaccine will be given to prevent rubella and measles.
It is recommended by the World Health Organization that all children should get mumps vaccination all over the world through well-functioning childhood vaccination program.
American Academy Of Pediatrics suggests having routine MMR vaccine administration at ages 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years.
Mumpsvax is a standard vaccine in United States and also MMR vaccine is a commonly used vaccine.
Leningrad-3 strain (Soviet Countries), L-Zagreb strain (India, Croatia), Urabe strain, and Rubini strain (Switzerland) are currently used vaccines in different countries.
Health officials tell that the vaccine shortage is causing the outbreak of mumps even worse. They are also worried of the serious problems involved with this illness as it can lead to several other illnesses.
Does Mumps Virus Influence Other Organs?
The mumps virus can sometimes spread from the salivary glands to other parts and cause infection. If the virus spreads to the testicles, it is called orchitis. Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles caused by the virus that causes mumps.
Being an adult male, it will be known to you that mumps can affect the fertility. Approximately 30% of the patients who develop mumps will experience orchitis after puberty.
Usually, it will take 4-6 days to develop orchitis after mumps. Mumps are very common in boys rather than girls. Even though mumps causes oophoritis in women, it does not affect the fertility.
The other complications of mumps include meningitis and encephalitis. The mumps virus spread through the blood stream and infects the central nervous system. Of course, it is very rare. The uncommon complication of mumps is pancreatitis – inflammation of pancreas.
Actually, Paramyxovirus causes mumps. Mumps is a contagious disease and spreads from person to person by saliva droplets or by direct contact with the items that are contaminated with saliva. Children between ages two to twelve who did not receive mumps vaccine are mostly get infected.
Fever, swelling of the parotid glands, sore throat, headache, face pain, and swelling of the temples and jaws are commonly seen in the patients with mumps. Additionally, testicle pain, testicle lump, and scrotal swelling can be seen with mumps.
Physical examination will confirm the presence of swollen glands. No specific diagnostic tests are required to confirm mumps. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Apply ice or heat packs to the neck area. Tylenol can also help relieving the pain.
If your child has mumps, persistent drowsiness, severe headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, testicular pain or lump, immediately call your health care provider. On the other hand, if convulsions are seen, take your child to the emergency room immediately.
