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Written by Phillip LaVeque
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Wednesday, 28 October 2009 |
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Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the parotid gland, a salivary gland below the angle of the lower jaw. Mumps can also affect other organs, especially in adults.
What is going on in the body?
The mumps virus is spread through infected respiratory secretions, for example, by sneezes and coughs. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks after a person is infected with the virus for symptoms to develop.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
A family of viruses causes mumps. Exposure to an infected person places an individual at risk of developing mumps.
What are the treatments for the infection?
Currently, there is no treatment for mumps. Children should not take aspirin when they have mumps, because it can cause a severe brain inflammation called Reye's syndrome.
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