Classically, in the parotid glands, and sometimes in the ovaries or testicles.
Mumps is, among other symptoms, inflammation of the parotid glands. These salivary glands are found on either cheek.
Orchitis is the medical term meaning inflammation of the testes. Mumps is one possible cause.
Inflammation of the parotid glands caused by a myxovirus, such as mumps virus, is known as mumps. Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, leading to swelling and inflammation, particularly of the parotid glands located on the sides of the face. Symptoms may include fever, headache, and swelling of the cheeks or jaw. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is effective in preventing mumps infection.
Mumps is classified as a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. The classification of mumps can also be categorized based on its clinical manifestations, which primarily include parotitis (inflammation of the salivary glands), orchitis (inflammation of the testes), and meningitis. Additionally, the mumps virus is classified as a single-stranded RNA virus, and it has a specific antigenic structure that allows for further subtyping based on its strains.
Mumps
It can cause inflammation of pancreas- pancreatitis, and orchitis leading to sterlity
Long-term effects of mumps can include complications such as orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), which can lead to infertility in males, and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries) in females. Mumps can also cause meningitis, leading to potential neurological issues. In rare cases, individuals may experience hearing loss or other complications. Vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of mumps and its associated long-term effects.
Administering a mumps vaccine to a boy can protect his reproductive health by preventing mumps orchitis, a complication of the mumps virus that can cause inflammation of the testicles. This inflammation can lead to pain, atrophy, and in some cases, infertility. By vaccinating against mumps, boys are safeguarded against these potential reproductive health issues, ensuring better long-term outcomes for their fertility. Additionally, widespread vaccination helps prevent outbreaks, further protecting the health of the community.
Mumps symptomsChildren are mainly affected. Typically:Painful swelling (parotitis), usually on both sides of the faceDifficulty in opening the mouthFeverHeadacheBody discomfortMumps in adults is less common but once infected, it may involve other organs:Orchitis (Inflammation of one or both testes)Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas)Meningoencephalitis (Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and their meninges)Rarely, oophoritis (Inflammation of one or both ovaries)
This testicular inflammation is generally one-sided (both testicles are swollen in 15–30% of mumps orchitis cases and typically occurs about 10 days after the parotid gland. Testicular swelling has been documented as late as six weeks after parotid gland swelling. Decreased fertility is an uncommon consequence of testicular inflammation from mumps and infertility is rare.
Mumps is a viral infection that can lead to serious complications, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), swelling of the testicles (orchitis) in males, and ovarian inflammation in females, which can result in fertility issues. Other risks include hearing loss and complications such as pancreatitis. While mumps is often mild in children, its potential for severe health problems makes vaccination important for prevention.
The parotid gland is infected when one has the mumps. The virus leads to inflammation and swelling of the parotid glands, causing characteristic jaw and face swelling.