Mumps

• Acute viral illness caused by the mumps virus (genus Rubulavirus).
• Characterised by parotitis (swelling of the parotid glands).
• Mumps is a notifiable disease therefore new cases must be reported to local health authorities.

• Common worldwide, particularly in unvaccinated populations.
• Peak incidence in late winter and spring.
• Most common in children aged 5-15 years.
• Outbreaks still occur in the UK, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage.

• Caused by the mumps virus.
• Transmitted via respiratory droplets and direct contact.
• Incubation period: 14-25 days.
• Virus infects the upper respiratory tract and then disseminates.
• Affects salivary glands, CNS, pancreas, and testes.

• Typical mumps with parotitis.
• Atypical mumps without parotitis.

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Malaise.
• Anorexia.
• Myalgia.
• Parotitis (unilateral or bilateral).

• Swelling and tenderness of the parotid glands.
• Earache.
• Swelling of the Stensen duct opening.
• Meningeal signs if associated with meningitis.
• Orchitis in post-pubertal males.

• Clinical diagnosis primarily.
• Serology: mumps-specific IgM antibodies.
• PCR for mumps RNA from throat swab.
• Amylase levels may be elevated due to parotitis.

• Supportive care (hydration, analgesics, antipyretics).
• Isolation to prevent spread.
• Monitor for complications.
• Scrotal support and cold packs for orchitis.

• Orchitis.
• Oophoritis.
• Meningitis.
• Encephalitis.
• Deafness (usually unilateral).
• Pancreatitis.

• Generally good with full recovery.
• Complications can occur, particularly in adults.
• Lifelong immunity after infection.

• Vaccination is key to prevention.
• Recognise symptoms early for isolation.
• Diagnosis is primarily clinical but is confirmed with serology testing for mumps-specific IgM antibodies.
• Monitor for and manage complications.
• Education on vaccination importance.

Public Health England (2010). Notifiable diseases and causative organisms: how to report. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/notifiable-diseases-and-causative-organisms-how-to-report.