How does the disease progress?
The incubation period lasts on average two to three weeks. First, malaise, headache, loss of appetite, and fever appear. Then a painful swelling appears in front and below the ear, often first on one side, and after a day or two on the other. The earlobe is raised, the contours of the lower jaw are smoothed. It becomes painful to chew, swallow, open your mouth; Acidic foods increase pain because they stimulate salivation. The swelling lasts for about a week and gradually goes away.
- Incubation period 2–3 weeks
- Malaise and fever at the beginning
- Painful swelling in front and below the ear
- Bilateral lesions after 1–2 days
- Pain when chewing and swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Gradual reduction in swelling over a week
Complications
The virus affects not only the salivary glands. Adolescent and adult men often develop orchitis, an inflammation of the testicle with pain, swelling and fever, usually on the 4th–8th day of illness; it can lead to a decrease in testicular volume and, in rare cases, affect fertility. Pancreatitis is manifested by pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting. Serous meningitis causes severe headache, vomiting, and neck muscle tension. One of the most unpleasant consequences is unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, which can remain forever.
- Orchitis and epididymitis in boys and men
- Oophoritis in girls and women
- Pancreatitis
- Serous meningitis and meningoencephalitis
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Myocarditis and arthritis (rare)
- Complications are more severe in adults
Diagnostics
In typical cases, the diagnosis is made clinically: bilateral swelling of the parotid glands in an unvaccinated person is quite typical. Ultrasound of the salivary glands helps to distinguish mumps from lymphadenitis, cysts and salivary stones. An increase in blood amylase confirms the involvement of the salivary glands and pancreas. In case of an atypical course, during outbreaks and to confirm the diagnosis, serological tests and PCR are used. Boys and men must be examined for orchitis, and if they have a headache with vomiting, they are hospitalized.
- Examination and evaluation of the parotid glands
- Ultrasound of the salivary glands
- General blood test
- Blood amylase
- Serology of IgM and IgG according to indications
- PCR for atypical course
- Examination by a urologist for testicular pain
Treatment and care
There is no antiviral treatment; therapy is supportive. You need a home regime for the period of fever, plenty of fluids, soft, non-hot food: purees, cereals, soups. Acidic foods and juices are temporarily excluded. Painkillers and antipyretics are selected according to age. Oral care is important to prevent secondary salivary gland infections. Orchitis requires rest, elevated position of the scrotum and observation by a urologist. For meningitis and pancreatitis, treatment is carried out in a hospital.
- Home regimen during fever
- Drink plenty of fluids and soft, non-hot food
- Avoiding acidic foods and juices
- Painkillers and antipyretics by age
- Oral hygiene
- Rest and observation by a urologist for orchitis
- Hospitalization for meningitis and pancreatitis
Prevention and vaccination
The main method of protection is vaccination with a combined vaccine against measles, rubella and mumps, which is administered in two doses according to the national calendar. Vaccinated people either do not get sick or tolerate the infection much easier and have fewer complications. For adults who have not been vaccinated and have not been sick, vaccination can be discussed with a doctor. The sick person is isolated for about nine days from the appearance of swelling; The exact timing is determined by the doctor. The room is regularly ventilated, dishes and towels are separated.
- Vaccination with a combination vaccine in two doses
- Vaccination for adults who have not been sick and not vaccinated, according to the doctor’s decision
- Isolation of the sick person for approximately 9 days
- Ventilation of the room
- Separate dishes and towels
- Monitoring contacts in a children's group