Mumps

This acute, generalized viral disease was formerly extremely common in childhood, but its incidence has been drastically reduced in the United States through routine vaccination, which is required for kindergarten entry in most states. Immunization with the MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) vaccine protects 95 percent of children from infection with the paramyxovirus, which causes mumps. The remaining five percent fail to develop immunity to the virus. (For information on the recommended schedule of information, see immunizations.)

HOW DOES MUMPS DEVELOP?
Mumps is a highly contagious disease, spread via droplets of saliva expelled into the air (by sneezing, coughing, talking or breathing) or transmitted by direct contact (by kissing or sharing eating utensils with an infected person). The disease quickly spreads among nonimmunized children, so if you enroll your infant in any group program before completing the immunization series, you will find that they require mumps vaccine for all children.

WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT THE MUMPS?
Some children with the mumps initially develop symptoms that resemble those of the flu. They include appetite loss, fatigue, headache, malaise, low to moderate fever and muscular pain (particularly in the neck).

The day after the fever develops, classic symptoms involving the salivary glands will emerge. There may be marked discomfort chewing and swallowing, and a painful reaction to acidic foods and beverages such as lemonade, orange juice and the vinegar in salad dressing. The following day, the parotid glands located on the cheeks below and in front of the ears and other salivary glands in the neck may swell on one or both sides. The child also may feel discomfort ranging from tenderness to severe pain.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
No medication is effective in treating mumps. Keep the child at home until the disease has run its course.

IS MEDICAL ATTENTION NECESSARY?
Usually not. The doctor can often diagnose mumps on the basis of a description of the symptoms. But in some cases, the mumps can cause serious symptoms that require a physician's attention. Call the doctor immediately if any of the following complications occur:

• Listlessness and lethargy

• Tenderness and swelling in a boy's testicles

• Severe vomiting, which may mean the infection may have spread to the pancreas

• A stiff neck and severe headache, which may indicate the development of viral meningitis

• A fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit

CARING FOR A CHILD WITH MUMPS
Observe the following procedures:

• Isolate the child from anyone else in the household who has not been immunized. The child is contagious until all neck swelling and other symptoms have disappeared.

• Administer acetaminophen to lower fever and reduce pain.

• Apply warm or cold compresses on the neck to ease discomfort.

• Maintain fluid intake and nutrition, despite the child's reluctance. Cold drinks and soft, bland foods (such as mashed potatoes, mashed banana, scrambled eggs, and puddings or jello) are tolerated most easily.

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, © 1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.