MUMPS IN CHILDREN

Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Mumps in children is caused by Mumps virus

Unfortunately humans are the only natural hosts of Mumps Virus

Mumps most commonly affects children between the ages of 2 to 12 who haven't received the mumps vaccine

When a child get mumps, the virus moves from his/her respiratory tract ( nose, mouth and throat) into the parotid glands

Parotid glands are saliva-producing glands found either side of your face

The virus begins reproducing in the parotid gland causing it to swell

Mumps virus spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat

Some common symptoms of mumps are swollen, sore glands in the front of the neck or in front of the ears, trouble chewing, fever, headache, and testicle pain and tenderness

Treatment for mumps is focused on relieving symptoms until your body's immune system fights off the infection

To help manage symptoms: Give your child plenty of fluids and soft foods that are easy to chew

Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age

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