Mumps Virus Overview and Epidemiology

Study Notes

Mumps is a viral illness caused by the mumps virus, part of the Paramyxoviridae family.
The virus causes acute viral parotitis, painful swelling of the parotid glands.
The mumps virus is closely related to parainfluenza virus type 2.
Mumps, like measles, is highly contagious, affecting only humans.
Humans are the only source of the virus, with transmission favored by asymptomatic infections.

Mumps outbreaks can occur, with unvaccinated individuals at higher risk of infection.
Vaccinated people typically exhibit milder symptoms and fewer complications.

Over a third of mumps infections are asymptomatic.
Transmission occurs through person-to-person contact via respiratory droplets.
The virus infects respiratory tract epithelial cells and spreads through the bloodstream (viremia).
Infection can affect the parotid glands, testes, and central nervous system.

Mumps is an acute illness characterized by non-suppurative enlargement of one or both parotid glands (salivary glands).
Typically, mumps causes mild childhood disease, but in adults, complications such as meningitis and orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) are more prevalent.

The primary symptom is swelling of the parotid glands.
Symptoms include fever, headache, pain while chewing or swallowing, loss of appetite, and general weakness.
The incubation period is typically 12-25 days.
Systemic conditions may include enlargement of the testicles in men and pelvic pain in women.
Other possible conditions include aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, pneumonia, deafness, pelvic pain, and orchitis.

Lab studies are generally not needed for typical cases.
The mumps virus was isolated in embryonated eggs in 1945 and in cell culture in 1955.
Clinical specimens (saliva, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine) are collected soon after symptom onset.
Specimens are inoculated into monkey kidney cell cultures, or human amnion/HeLa cells.
Isolation can take 1-2 weeks. Cytopathic changes are not reliable.
Serological diagnosis (ELISA, immunofluorescence) is useful.
Molecular diagnosis using PCR is also available.

Vaccination with a live mumps vaccine is the main preventative measure.
Avoid sharing utensils, drinking glasses, etc., with an infected person.
Limit close contact with sick individuals.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue to prevent the spread of the virus.
Wash hands regularly, particularly before eating and after handling potentially contaminated objects.
Use alcohol-based sanitizers or soap.