Mumps outbreak
We have had a lot of phone calls about the mumps situation that has been on the news. Parents want to know what they need to do and if there is a concern.
At the present time, most of the 1000 or so cases that have been reported are in Iowa. There have been some but much fewer cases in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Most of the cases have occurred in the 18-25 age group and those in college or health care situations.
General Information on Mumps:
Mumps is a virus, not a bacterial infection; therefore, it can not be treated with antibiotics. It is transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing and breathing. From the time a person is exposed, the symptoms may not develop for 10 days to 3 weeks and those with mumps can be contagious 1 week before the symptoms up until 10 days after the symptoms.
Persons contracting the mumps virus usually have poor appetite, muscle aches, fever and headaches before the actual classic symptoms develop. The classic symptoms are acute swelling of the parotid glands on one or both sides of the face. This occurs in only 30-70% of cases and about 20% may have few other symptoms. Worrisome symptoms can include meningitis and in older males may produce an inflammation in the testis resulting in sterility.
The current prevention is to be sure the immunizations are up to date. This is the best prevention, but does not give 100 percent protection. Current recommendations are to have 2 separate MMR vaccines. The first is given at 15 months of age and the second at the time of kindergarten (4-6 years of age). Persons who have 2 documented MMR vaccines are assumed to be immune. If there is a question, blood can be obtained to document immunity.
If someone is thought to have mumps based on their history and physical exam, blood can be taken for Mumps IgG and IgM titers which are antibodies to the mumps. In addition, swabs from the cheeks, urine cultures for mumps and specialized blood tests called PCR’s should be obtained.
Treatment for mumps is basically supportive. It includes analgesics like Tylenol or Advil for pain and fever, and adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration from fever and the poor appetite. If the patient cannot swallow, I.V. fluid replacement may be used.
Limiting activities is advised for the duration of the fever. Ice packs or heating pads may ease the pain of swollen glands.
For males with testicle inflammation called “orchitis”, doctors may prescribe stronger pain medication as well as steroids to reduce inflammation.
If your child’s shots are up to date, there is nothing else to do. If your teenager or college student is unsure, they should be tested or receive a booster MMR vaccine.
At the present time, most of the 1000 or so cases that have been reported are in Iowa. There have been some but much fewer cases in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Most of the cases have occurred in the 18-25 age group and those in college or health care situations.
General Information on Mumps:
Mumps is a virus, not a bacterial infection; therefore, it can not be treated with antibiotics. It is transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing and breathing. From the time a person is exposed, the symptoms may not develop for 10 days to 3 weeks and those with mumps can be contagious 1 week before the symptoms up until 10 days after the symptoms.
Persons contracting the mumps virus usually have poor appetite, muscle aches, fever and headaches before the actual classic symptoms develop. The classic symptoms are acute swelling of the parotid glands on one or both sides of the face. This occurs in only 30-70% of cases and about 20% may have few other symptoms. Worrisome symptoms can include meningitis and in older males may produce an inflammation in the testis resulting in sterility.
The current prevention is to be sure the immunizations are up to date. This is the best prevention, but does not give 100 percent protection. Current recommendations are to have 2 separate MMR vaccines. The first is given at 15 months of age and the second at the time of kindergarten (4-6 years of age). Persons who have 2 documented MMR vaccines are assumed to be immune. If there is a question, blood can be obtained to document immunity.
If someone is thought to have mumps based on their history and physical exam, blood can be taken for Mumps IgG and IgM titers which are antibodies to the mumps. In addition, swabs from the cheeks, urine cultures for mumps and specialized blood tests called PCR’s should be obtained.
Treatment for mumps is basically supportive. It includes analgesics like Tylenol or Advil for pain and fever, and adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration from fever and the poor appetite. If the patient cannot swallow, I.V. fluid replacement may be used.
Limiting activities is advised for the duration of the fever. Ice packs or heating pads may ease the pain of swollen glands.
For males with testicle inflammation called “orchitis”, doctors may prescribe stronger pain medication as well as steroids to reduce inflammation.
If your child’s shots are up to date, there is nothing else to do. If your teenager or college student is unsure, they should be tested or receive a booster MMR vaccine.
posted by Anonymous at 6:39 AM
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