Mumps

Mumps is an acute viral infection caused by the mumps virus, characterized by parotitis, fever, and malaise. It can lead to complications such as orchitis, oophoritis, meningitis, or pancreatitis.

Definition

Mumps is an acute viral infection caused by the mumps virus, characterized by parotitis, fever, and malaise. It can lead to complications such as orchitis, oophoritis, meningitis, or pancreatitis.

Epidemiology

Most common in children aged 5–14 years
Incidence has decreased significantly due to MMR vaccination
Slight male predominance
Outbreaks occur in unvaccinated populations or areas with low vaccination coverage
Peak incidence in late winter and spring

Etiology

Mumps virus, a paramyxovirus (single-stranded RNA virus)
Transmission via respiratory droplets, direct contact with saliva, or fomites
Highly contagious with an incubation period of 16–18 days (range 12–25 days)

Pathophysiology

Virus enters via respiratory tract, replicates in upper respiratory epithelium and lymph nodes
Viremia occurs, leading to infection of salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, sublingual)
Immune response causes glandular swelling and systemic symptoms
Virus can infect other organs: testes, ovaries, pancreas, CNS
Complications arise due to direct viral injury and inflammatory response
Immunity usually lifelong after infection or vaccination