Characteristics, Treatment, and Prevention of Mumps

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Mumps, part of the Paramyxovirus family (Hunt, 2008) and also known as Epidemic parotitis (Medline Plus, n.d.), is a virus that has a worldwide distribution with humans being the only known reservoir (Chamberlain, 2013). Mumps are a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands, otherwise known as the salivary glands located below and in front of the ears (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). Although swelling, also known as parotitis, is the most recognized symptom of mumps, it may only occur in approximately 30-40% of cases. Other patients may have non-specific symptoms, basically symptoms that are similar to other viruses. Up to 20% of infected individuals may experience no symptoms at all (The History of Vaccines, 2014).
Characteristics
Mumps are negative-sense RNA viruses with helical symmetry. They are enveloped and non-segmented (Hunt, 2008). This virus has been seen in approximately 95% of cases in children ranging in age from 15 years or younger (Chamberlain, 2013). Due to the mumps being primarily a childhood disease, about 50% of children contracted the disease prior to the introduction of the mumps vaccine (MMR – measles, mumps and rubella) in 1967 (Hunt, 2008).
When infected with this virus several other symptoms other than swelling may occur. Mumps is the leading cause of deafness and it also infects the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in aseptic meningitis and sometimes severe encephalitis with some cases being fatal (Hunt, 2008 & Chamberlain, 2013). It will cause temporary defects in immune response with fever of 103 F, trouble eating or drinking, perhaps confusion and disorientation, as well as abdominal pain (Hunt 2008).
Some people may experience weakness and fatigue or pain while chewing and swallowing ...

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Chamberlain, Ph.D., Neal R. (2013). Infections of the Mouth, Tongue, and Parotid Glands. Retrieved from http://www.atsu.edu/faculty/chamberlain/Website/lectures/lecture/mumps.htm
Hunt, Dr. Margaret (2008). Virology Chapter Fourteen Measles (Rubeola) and Mumps Viruses. Microbilogy and Immunology On-Line. Retrieved from http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/mhunt/mump-meas.htm
Jack, Emily (2008). Diseases: A brief guide to causes, symptoms, history, and treatment. Retrieved from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4067
Mayo Clinic Staff (n.d.). Diseases and Conditions Mumps. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mumps/basics/definition/con-20019914 Medline Plus (n.d.). Mumps. Retreived from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001557.htm The History of Vaccines (2014). Mumps. Retreived from
http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/mumps

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