Does my child have mumps?
Mumps can still infect a child who has been immunised but symptoms will be significantly milder than if they had not received the vaccine.
Has your child suddenly developed a ‘hamster-like face’ or ‘chipmunk cheeks’ ? They could be infected with the mumps!
Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the salivary glands in front of the ears. These are known as the parotid glands. Mumps symptoms include swelling in the throat and jaw.
Mumps is most common in children but can occur at any age. Mumps cases in South Africa have become substantially less common since the mumps vaccination was introduced.
What causes mumps in children?
Mumps is transmitted through contact with fluids from the mouth, nose, and throat when an infected child coughs, sneezes, or speaks. The virus can also be found on surfaces such as doorknobs, eating utensils, and drinking glasses. The virus spreads when another child uses these products and then rubs their nose or mouth.
Which children are in danger of getting the mumps?
A child is more susceptible to mumps if they are exposed to someone who has the disease and has not received the mumps vaccine.
What are the signs and symptoms of mumps in children?
Symptoms usually occur two to three weeks following exposure to the virus. Many children have no or just minor symptoms. The following are the most common mumps symptoms:
- Swelling and pain in the salivary glands, particularly in the jaw area
- Talking and eating difficulties
- Earache
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Tiredness
- Appetite loss
Good to know: Mumps symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses. Make an appointment for your child to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
How is a child’s mumps diagnosed?
Your child’s symptoms and medical history will be discussed with the healthcare provider. They will examine your youngster physically. To confirm the diagnosis, your child may also be subjected to additional testing, such as a saliva or urine test.
How is a child’s mumps treated?
The treatment will be determined by your child’s symptoms, age, and overall health. It will also be determined by the severity of the ailment. Mumps is not treated with antibiotics.
The purpose of treatment is to alleviate symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Rest in bed
- Consuming plenty of fluids
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort
- Soothing swollen parotid glands with a warm or cool compress (whichever your child prefers).
- Children with mumps should stay home for five days from the start of parotid gland swelling. Ask your doctor about when your child can return to school or childcare.
Good to know: Discuss all medications’ risks, benefits, and potential adverse effects with your child’s healthcare professional. Ibuprofen should not be given to a child under six months unless directed by a healthcare provider. Children should not be given aspirin as it can cause Reye syndrome, a serious health condition.
A word on childhood vaccinations
Mumps protection is included in the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMR) vaccine for the majority of children (MMRV). These are given to them when they are 12 to 15 months old and then again when they are four to six years old.
