Mumps outbreak: Symptoms to look out for
Here are the symptoms that might present themselves when you suffer from the highly contagious virus.
South Africa is currently dealing with a mumps outbreak.
Mumps, which is also known as ‘infectious parotitis’, is an acute viral infection caused by the rubulavirus, reports the Health Department.
The virus is highly contagious and around 20 percent of people with the mumps virus show no symptoms, reports Medical News Today.
Mumps usually affects children aged between the ages of 5 and 9, however, it can in rare cases affect younger children or even adults.
It spreads through contact with the saliva or mucus of someone who has the virus.
Children are usually given the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at the age of 12 months.
READ: Health dept to boost vaccinations amid mumps outbreak, says Phaahla
Let's look at mumps symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Swelling of the salivary glands, ovaries or testicles.
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
Treatment:
There is currently no cure for mumps.
"Because mumps is viral, antibiotics cannot be used to treat it, and at present, there are no anti-viral medications that can treat mumps," states Medical News Today.
The following is a guide from Healthline that can help relieve the symptoms:
- Rest when you feel weak or tired.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to bring down your fever.
- Soothe swollen glands by applying ice packs.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration due to fever.
- Eat a soft diet of soup, yogurt, and other foods that aren’t hard to chew (chewing may be painful when your glands are swollen).
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages that may cause more pain in your salivary glands.
Symptoms of mumps can last for up to two weeks.
READ: Brumbies struck by mumps
Image courtesy of iStock/ @Md Saiful Islam Khan
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.