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Mumps

Disease Details

Family Health Simplified

Description
Mumps is a contagious viral infection primarily affecting the salivary glands, causing swelling, pain, and flu-like symptoms.
Type
Mumps is a viral infection. It is not genetically transmitted; instead, it spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected individual.
Signs And Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of mumps often appear about two weeks after exposure to the virus. They include:

1. Swollen and painful salivary glands (parotitis), typically on one or both sides of the face
2. Fever
3. Headache
4. Muscle aches
5. Fatigue
6. Loss of appetite
7. Pain while chewing or swallowing

Complications can include inflammation of the testicles (orchitis), ovaries (oophoritis), breasts (mastitis), pancreas (pancreatitis), and sometimes involvement of the central nervous system such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Prognosis
Prognosis for most people who experience mumps is excellent as long-term complications and death are rare. Hospitalization is typically not required. Mumps is usually self-limiting and symptoms resolve spontaneously within two weeks as the immune system clears the virus from the body. In high-risk groups such as immunocompromised persons, prognosis is considered to be the same as for other groups. For most people, infection leads to lifelong immunity against future infection. Reinfections appear to be more mild and atypical than the first infection. The overall case-fatality rate of mumps is 1.6–3.8 people per 10,000, and these deaths typically occur in those who develop encephalitis.Mumps orchitis typically resolves within two weeks. In 20% of cases, the testicles may be tender for a few more weeks. Atrophy, or reduction of size, of the involved testicle occurs in 30–50% of orchitis cases, which may lead to abnormalities in sperm creation and fertility such as low sperm count, absence of sperm in semen, reduced sperm motility, reduced fertility (hypofertility) in 13% of cases, and rarely sterility. Hypofertility can, however, occur in cases without atrophy. Abnormalities in sperm creation can persist for months to years after recovery from the initial infection, the length of which increases as the severity of orchitis increases. Examination of these cases shows decreased testicular volume, tenderness of the testicles, and a feeling of inconsistency when handling the testicles. Infertility is linked to severe cases of orchitis affecting both testes followed by testicular atrophy, which may develop up to one year after the initial infection. Of bilateral orchitis cases, 30–87% experience infertility. There is a weak association between orchitis and later development of epididymitis and testicular tumors.Mumps meningitis typically resolves within 3–10 days without long-term complications. In meningoencephalitis cases, higher protein levels in CSF and a lower CSF glucose to blood glucose ratio are associated with longer periods of hospitalization. Approximately 1% of those whose CNS is affected die from mumps. Post-infectious encephalitis tends to be relatively mild, whereas post-infectious encephalomyelitis has a case-fatality rate of up to ten percent. Most cases of mumps deafness affect just one ear and are temporary, but permanent hearing loss occurs in 0.005% of infections. Myocarditis and pericarditis that occur as a result of mumps may lead to endocardial fibroelastosis, i.e. thickening of the endocardium. With extreme rarity, infertility and premature menopause have occurred as a result of mumps oophoritis.
Onset
The onset of mumps typically includes symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. These initial symptoms are usually followed by the characteristic swelling of the parotid glands, which are the salivary glands located near the ears, leading to puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. The incubation period, from exposure to the virus to the onset of symptoms, is usually 16-18 days but can range from 12-25 days.
Prevalence
Mumps is a contagious viral disease caused by the mumps virus. It's less common in countries with comprehensive vaccination programs. Worldwide, the incidence varies, with higher prevalence in areas with low vaccination coverage. Specific prevalence data should be referenced from local health authorities or recent studies.
Epidemiology
Mumps is a viral infection primarily affecting the parotid glands, which are one of the salivary glands. It is caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family.

Epidemiology:
1. **Transmission**: Mumps spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with saliva or contaminated objects.
2. **Age Group**: It predominantly affects children aged 2-12 years, but unvaccinated individuals of any age are at risk.
3. **Vaccination**: The introduction of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of mumps in many parts of the world.
4. **Geography**: While mumps has been largely controlled in regions with high vaccination coverage, outbreaks still occur, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates.
5. **Seasonality**: Mumps cases can occur year-round but often peak in late winter or early spring.
6. **Complications**: Though often self-limiting, mumps can lead to complications such as orchitis in males, oophoritis in females, meningitis, and rarely, encephalitis.

Monitoring and maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial for the prevention and control of mumps outbreaks.
Intractability
Mumps is not generally considered intractable. It is a viral infection preventable by vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective at preventing the disease. Most individuals recover fully from mumps, although complications can occur in some cases.
Disease Severity
Mumps is generally considered a moderate disease in terms of severity. It is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands. While many patients experience mild symptoms, complications can occur, particularly in adults. These complications may include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), inflammation of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and inflammation of the testicles (orchitis), which can, though rarely, lead to infertility. Most people recover fully within a few weeks.
Healthcare Professionals
Disease Ontology ID - DOID:10264
Pathophysiology
Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. The pathophysiology of mumps involves the virus initially infecting the upper respiratory tract, followed by viral replication in the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands. This leads to inflammation and swelling of the glands, a hallmark symptom of mumps. The virus can disseminate through the bloodstream (viremia) to other organs, potentially affecting the pancreas, testes, ovaries, and central nervous system. This can result in complications such as orchitis, oophoritis, pancreatitis, and meningitis. The immune response to the virus involves both humoral and cellular immunity, eventually leading to the resolution of the infection.
Carrier Status
Carrier status for mumps does not occur. Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, and infected individuals can transmit the virus to others, typically from a few days before the onset of symptoms until about five days after. However, there is no asymptomatic carrier state where an individual harbors and spreads the virus without ever developing symptoms.
Mechanism
Mumps is a viral disease caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family.

Mechanism:
The primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected saliva. Once the virus enters the respiratory tract, it infects epithelial cells and spreads to local lymph nodes. The virus then undergoes primary viremia, disseminating through the bloodstream to target tissues, including the parotid glands, central nervous system, and other organs.

Molecular mechanisms:
1. **Attachment and Entry**: The mumps virus utilizes the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein to bind to sialic acid-containing receptors on the host cell surface. After attachment, the fusion (F) protein facilitates the merging of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, allowing the viral RNA to enter the cell.

2. **Replication and Transcription**: The viral RNA genome is replicated in the cytoplasm using the virus's RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which is composed of the large (L) protein and the phosphoprotein (P). The polymerase initiates transcription of the viral RNA to produce mRNA, which then translates into viral proteins.

3. **Assembly and Release**: Newly synthesized viral RNA and proteins assemble at the host cell’s plasma membrane. The viral components are packaged into new virions, which bud off from the cell, acquiring a lipid envelope from the host cell membrane. This process often results in cell lysis and the release of new infectious virions.

4. **Immune Evasion**: Mumps virus proteins, such as the V protein, can inhibit interferon signaling pathways, thereby diminishing the host's antiviral response. Additionally, the virus may downregulate the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on infected cells, helping it evade immune detection.

Understanding these mechanisms helps in developing strategies for treatment and prevention, such as vaccines and antiviral drugs.
Treatment
Mumps is usually self-limiting, and no specific antiviral treatments exist for it, so treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Non-medicinal ways to manage the disease include bed rest, using ice or heat packs on the neck and scrotum, consuming more fluids, eating soft food, and gargling with warm salt water. Anti-fever medications may be used during the febrile period, excluding aspirin when given to children, which may cause Reye syndrome. Analgesics may also be provided to control pain from mumps inflammatory conditions. For seizures, anticonvulsants may be used. In severe neurological cases, ventilators may be used to support breathing.Intramuscular mumps immunoglobulin may be of benefit when administered early in some cases, but it has not shown benefit in outbreaks. Although not recommended, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may reduce the rates of some complications. Antibiotics may be used as a precaution in cases in which bacterial infection cannot be ruled out as well as to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Autoimmune-based disorders connected to mumps are treatable with intravenous immunoglobulin.Various types of treatment for mumps orchitis have been used, but no specific treatment is recommended due to each method's limitations. These measures are primarily based around relieving testicular pain and reducing intratesticular pressure to reduce the likelihood of testicular atrophy. Interferon-α2α interferes with viral replication, so it has been postulated to be useful in preventing testicular damage and infertility. Interferon alfa-2b may reduce the duration of symptoms and incidence of complications. In cases of hydrocele formation, excess fluid can be removed.
Compassionate Use Treatment
Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments approved for mumps. Management primarily focuses on supportive care to relieve symptoms. However, during outbreaks or severe cases, there might be interest in exploring potential off-label or experimental treatments.

One such consideration is the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which has been explored in other viral infections but is not specifically approved for mumps. Additionally, corticosteroids might be considered in cases of severe complications like orchitis, although this is based more on clinical judgment than established guidelines.

Researchers continue to investigate other antiviral agents and immune-based therapies, but as of now, supportive care remains the cornerstone of mumps treatment. Vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the most effective preventive measure.
Lifestyle Recommendations
For mumps, here are some lifestyle recommendations to aid recovery and prevent spread:

1. **Isolation**: Stay at home and avoid contact with others, especially during the first five days after symptoms appear, to prevent spreading the virus.

2. **Hydration**: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, such as water, herbal teas, and clear soups.

3. **Rest**: Ensure ample rest to help your body fight off the infection.

4. **Pain Management**: Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and alleviate pain.

5. **Soft Diet**: Consume soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup, to avoid irritation of swollen salivary glands.

6. **Avoid Acidic Foods**: Stay away from acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits and juices, as they can further irritate swollen glands.

7. **Cold Compresses**: Apply cold packs to swollen areas to reduce swelling and pain.

8. **Good Hygiene**: Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, to reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus.

Following these recommendations can help manage symptoms and maintain comfort during the recovery period.
Medication
Mumps is a viral infection for which there is no specific antiviral medication. Treatment primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and may include:

1. Rest.
2. Pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
3. Applying cold compresses to swollen areas.
4. Drinking plenty of fluids.
5. Eating soft foods that are easier to chew.

Preventive measures include vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
Repurposable Drugs
Mumps is generally managed with supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral treatment for it. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is used for prevention. Repurposable drugs for mumps are not well-established, as treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms such as pain and fever through medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. There is no known novel antimicrobial or specific antiviral therapy indicated for mumps.

By "nan," if you meant to inquire about the application of nanotechnology in mumps, there are currently no nanotechnology-based treatments or preventive measures specifically for mumps in clinical use.
Metabolites
Mumps is primarily a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, and it does not primarily involve metabolites associated with bacterial or metabolic pathways. The primary focus of mumps is on the clinical aspects of the viral infection, such as inflammation of the salivary glands (parotitis). However, specific metabolites are not typically the primary concern or focus in the context of mumps. If more detailed information regarding the metabolic effects or specific metabolites involved during a mumps infection is needed, specialized medical literature should be consulted.
Nutraceuticals
For mumps, there are no specific nutraceuticals proven to be effective in treating or preventing the disease. The primary approach to managing mumps is supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and pain relief. Vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent mumps.
Peptides
For mumps:

- **Peptide**: There are no specific peptides uniquely associated with mumps treatment. Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, a paramyxovirus, and management typically involves supportive care rather than peptide-based treatments. However, some research into peptide-based vaccines or antiviral therapies is ongoing in virology.

- **Nan**: Nanotechnology is not currently a standard part of mumps diagnosis or treatment. However, research is exploring the use of nanotechnology in vaccine delivery systems which could enhance immune responses in various viral infections, potentially including mumps.

The most effective prevention for mumps remains the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.