What is Mumps?

What is Mumps?

What is Mumps?

IMPORTANT NOTE: Corvelva invites you to get in-depth information by reading all the sections and links, as well as the manufacturer's product leaflets and technical data sheets, and to speak with one or more trusted professionals before deciding to vaccinate yourself or your child. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

The mumps virus is a paramyxovirus, contagious and consisting of a single-stranded RNA genome.(1) Respiratory secretions carry the virus, and the infection begins in the nasopharynx and lymph nodes. After exposure, an incubation period of 12 to 25 days is usually required before symptoms develop.(2) These symptoms typically include headache, body aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.(3) During this time, the virus is present in the blood and spreads to all body tissues.(4) Parotid gland enlargement (mumps) on one or both sides of the face, under the ears and chin, is the most common clinical feature of a mumps infection and typically occurs within the first two days.(5) Up to 30% of people infected with mumps have no symptoms of infection (asymptomatic), and up to 50% may have signs of a mild nonspecific disease.(6) Mumps is usually a mild disease that occurs most often in childhood; however, it can lead to complications, although most of them occur in adults.(7)

Complications of mumps include inflammation of the testicles in males, inflammation of the breast tissue and ovaries in females, meningitis, encephalitis, and hearing loss. Fertility problems following a mumps infection are rare.(8) Mumps rarely results in death(9) and most people recover from the mumps infection within a few weeks.(10)

A swab taken within three days of the onset of mumps is the preferred method for diagnosing a mumps infection. A blood test may also be done to confirm the presence of mumps antibodies (IgM) collected soon after the onset of symptoms, although mumps IgM may also be present if collected soon after the mumps vaccination.(11)

This article is summarized and translated by National Vaccine Information Center.

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