What is mumps, and what pathogen causes it?

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What is Mumps?

Simply put, mumps is what we commonly called "swollen cheeks" when we were kids. It's an acute respiratory infectious disease, most typically characterized by swelling in the cheeks (the area below the ears), making you look like a little hamster.

This disease is more common among children and adolescents, but adults who haven't had it or haven't been vaccinated can also get infected.

What Pathogen Causes It?

The "culprit" behind this disease is a pathogen called the Mumps Virus.

• Classification: It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and is an RNA virus. You can imagine it as a "bad guy" that specifically likes to attack our salivary glands (especially the parotid glands).
• Transmission: This virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. This means that when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, the virus can spread into the air and be inhaled. Additionally, contact with contaminated objects (such as cups or toys touched by saliva) can also lead to infection.

What are the Main Symptoms?

1. Parotid Gland Swelling: This is the most characteristic symptom. Typically, one side swells first, and then the other side follows suit a few days later. It's painful to the touch, and especially noticeable when eating sour foods.
2. Fever: Body temperature may rise.
3. General Malaise: Feeling headaches, weakness, and loss of appetite.

Although in most cases, mumps resolves on its own within one or two weeks, it can also lead to complications such as meningitis, orchitis, or oophoritis, so it should still be taken seriously.

Thanks to the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, the incidence of this disease has significantly decreased. Timely vaccination is the most effective way to prevent it.