Mumps

The parotid glands, one of three pairs of salivary glands located beneath and in front of the ears, are the primary site of infection for the mumps virus. One or both parotid glands may swell if you or your child develops the mumps.

Agent:

• Paramyxovirus

Source:

• Saliva of infected person

Transmission period:

• 14-21 days

Symptoms:

Some mumps virus patients have either no symptoms at all or only very minor ones. When they occur, signs and symptoms may include any or all of the following and typically start two to three weeks after virus exposure:

•  Swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of your face (parotitis)
•  Fever
•  Headache
•  Weakness and fatigue
•  Loss of appetite
•  Pain while chewing or swallowing

Causes:

The mumps virus, which easily passes from person to person through infected saliva, is what causes mumps. If you are not immune, sneezing or coughing saliva droplets from an infected person can cause you to get the mumps.

Tests and Diagnosis:

A virus culture or blood test may be required if your doctor suspects that you or your kid has the mumps. Antibodies are often produced by your immune system to aid in infection defense.

Treatments and Drugs:

• Antibiotics are ineffective for treating mumps since it is a viral infection. A mumps infection must simply run its course, as is the case with most viral diseases.
• Generally speaking, one week after receiving a diagnosis of the mumps, you are no longer considered contagious and can go back to work or school without risk.

Symptomatic and Supportive:

•  Analgesia for pain and anti pyretic for fever.
•  Intravenous fluid may be necessary for a child who refuses to drink or vomit because of meningoencephalitis.

Nursing management:

• Isolation during a time when communication is possible.
• Respiratory safety measures while in the hospital.
• Keep to bed rest during the prodromal phase till the swelling goes down.
• Analgesics for pain and antipyretics for fever are prescribed.
• Encourage a soft diet and ample fluid consumption.
• Depending on which is more calming, apply the hot or cold compress on the neck.
• The items a patient uses should be cleaned and disinfected.

Complications:

• Myocarditis
• Pancreatitis
• Arthritis
• Hepatitis
• Post-infectious encephalitis.

REFERENCE

• Acharya M & Shirley Croonquiet PCV, 2048 BS, Theory Lecture Outlines, Nursing Care of Children
• Ambika Rai, Kabita Dahal. Community Health Nursing II. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2012 (reprint).
• Dr.Panta SD (Immunization Medical Officer, WHO/IDP) (2005), Training Handout of Immunization
• HealthLine. 2005. 2017 http://www.healthline.com/health/mumps
• Mandal, G.N. Textbook of Adult Nursing. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2013.
• MedicineNet. 1996. 2017 http://www.medicinenet.com/mumps/article.htm
• Textbook of Adult Nursing for PCL Nursing Student, reprint 2008, 1st edition HLMC