Introduction to Mumps Disease

Welcome to PreCrack! Recently, we have seen a outbreak of Mumps Disease in Southern part of Kerala. There were 190 cases of Mumps Disease has reported in a day. These kinds of developments lead us to know about Mumps Disease or its symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment.

Why is Mumps Disease in the News? – Mumps Disease UPSC Current Affairs

The mumps disease is in the news due to a significant outbreak in Kerala, with 190 cases reported in a single day and a total of 2,505 cases this month, reaching 11,467 cases this year. Most cases are concentrated in Malappuram district and northern Kerala, prompting attention to the absence of the mumps vaccine in the government’s universal immunization program.

Details about Mumps Disease

We have added a comprehensive details about Mumps Disease below-

What is Mumps Disease?

Mumps is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the mumps virus. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and fatigue, followed by swelling of the parotid glands, characteristic of mumps infection.

History

Mumps has a long history, with traces dating back centuries:

Early Observations (5th century BC)

The first documented instance of mumps comes from the writings of Hippocrates, the “father of medicine.” Around 410 BC, he described an outbreak on the Greek island of Thasos, highlighting the characteristic swelling around the ears.

Viral Cause Recognized (1934)

For centuries, the exact cause of mumps remained unknown. However, in 1934, Claud Johnson and Ernest Goodpasture made a crucial breakthrough. They successfully transmitted the disease from infected patients to monkeys and identified a filterable agent (later confirmed as a virus) present in saliva as the culprit.

Vaccine Development (1948)

Following the discovery of the viral cause, research efforts focused on developing a vaccine. By 1948, the first inactivated mumps vaccine was created.

Widespread Vaccination and Decline (1967 onwards)

The introduction of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) in 1967 marked a significant turning point. Mumps cases significantly declined due to widespread vaccination programs.

Here’s a concise timeline summarizing these key points:

• 5th century BC: First documented description by Hippocrates
• 1934: Viral cause identified
• 1948: First mumps vaccine developed
• 1967: Introduction of MMR vaccine leads to drastic reduction in mumps cases

Signs & Symptoms

Here are the signs and symptoms of mumps:

• Swollen salivary glands (parotitis): This is the most characteristic symptom of mumps and causes puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.
• Fever:  Mumps typically causes a low-grade fever, usually around 100°F (37.8°C) to 103°F (39.4°C).
• Headache:  Headaches are a common symptom of mumps, often accompanying the fever.
• Muscle aches:  Muscle aches and fatigue are also general flu-like symptoms that can occur with mumps.
• Loss of appetite:  Loss of appetite is another common symptom that can occur during a mumps infection.
• Earache: Pain in the ear can sometimes occur due to the swelling of the salivary glands near the ear canal.

Complications of Mumps

A person infected with Mumps can face these complications

• Mumps can also lead to more serious complications, though these are rare. These include:
• Deafness
• Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) in males
• Oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries) in females
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Causes

Mumps can be caused by…

• Mumps is caused by the mumps virus (MuV), belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family.
• Humans are the only natural host for the mumps virus.
• The virus’s genome is made of RNA and contains seven genes that encode nine proteins.
• MuV enters host cells by bonding to the cell’s surface, fusing its envelope with the host cell’s membrane.
• Viral replication occurs in the host cell, producing progeny virions.
• MuV exits the host cell by budding from its surface, using the host cell’s membrane.
• There are twelve recognized genotypes of MuV, with variations in frequency across regions.
• MuV is relatively stable, with just one serotype and low likelihood of antigenic shifting.

How Mumps Virus Born?

(Generally) Viruses aren’t “made” or “born” in the same way living organisms are. They are non-living entities that replicate by hijacking the machinery of host cells. Here’s a breakdown of how the mumps virus multiplies:

• Infection: The virus enters a host cell (usually a cell in the salivary glands) through contact.
• Hijacking Cellular Machinery: The viral RNA genome instructs the host cell’s ribosomes to produce viral proteins.
• Replication: Using the host cell’s resources and the newly synthesized viral proteins, the virus replicates its own genetic material (RNA).
• Assembly: Viral proteins and the replicated RNA assemble into new virus particles.
• Release: The new virus particles bud off from the host cell membrane, causing the cell to burst and releasing the virus into the environment to infect other cells.
• Mutations:  During replication, errors can occasionally occur in the viral RNA, introducing slight changes called mutations.  These mutations can lead to the emergence of new viral strains.

Transmission / Transmission Carrier

The mumps virus is highly contagious and primarily spreads through direct contact with infected saliva or respiratory droplets. Here’s a detailed explanation of its transmission:

Routes of Transmission

• Respiratory Droplets: When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they expel tiny droplets containing the virus into the air. These droplets can travel short distances and be inhaled by others, allowing the virus to enter their respiratory system.
• Direct Contact with Saliva: Sharing utensils, drinks, or kissing an infected individual can directly transfer infected saliva, introducing the virus into another person’s mouth or nose.
• Contact with Contaminated Surfaces: The virus can survive on surfaces for a short period. Touching objects like doorknobs, toys, or light switches contaminated with infected saliva and then touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) can also transmit the virus.

Factors Affecting Transmission

• Close Contact: Spending extended time in close proximity to an infected person significantly increases the risk of transmission.
• Infectious Period: An infected individual is most contagious a few days before and up to five days after the onset of salivary gland swelling (parotitis).
• Susceptibility: People who haven’t been vaccinated against mumps or haven’t had the disease previously are susceptible to infection.

Diagnosis

We can understand the diagnosis of Mumps Disease by following actions-

• Diagnosis of mumps often relies on clinical presentation, especially in regions where the disease is common.
• Laboratory diagnosis may be necessary in areas where mumps is less prevalent.
• Diagnostic methods include antibody testing, viral cultures, or real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Symptoms like swelling of the parotid glands and recent exposure to the virus aid in diagnosis.
• Medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests help confirm mumps infection.

Prevention

• Vaccination is the primary method for preventing mumps infection. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is effective in preventing mumps.
• Vaccination typically occurs in childhood with two doses, but adults who haven’t been vaccinated can still benefit from the vaccine.
• Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, can help prevent the spread of mumps.
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals and staying home when sick can reduce transmission.
• Isolating infected individuals can prevent further spread of the virus in communities.
• Public health measures such as vaccination campaigns and education about the importance of immunization contribute to prevention efforts.

Treatment

Treatment for mumps is mainly supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. This includes bed rest, using ice or heat packs on the neck and scrotum, consuming fluids, and eating soft foods.

Non-aspirin fever reducers may be used. Pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Intramuscular mumps immunoglobulin may be beneficial in some cases. Antibiotics might be prescribed if bacterial infection is suspected. No specific treatment exists for mumps orchitis, but interventions aim to alleviate pain and prevent complications such as testicular atrophy. Interferon therapy may be considered in some cases.

Latest News on Mumps Disease UPSC

On 12^th of March,2024, A mumps outbreak in Kerala has surged with 190 cases reported in a day, totaling 2,505 cases this month and 11,467 this year. Most cases concentrate in Malappuram district and northern Kerala.

Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and swelling in the parotid salivary glands. Union health authorities have acknowledged the outbreak, activating the National Centre for Disease Control.

While vaccines for mumps exist, they are not included in the government’s universal immunization program. The situation underscores the importance of vaccination and heightened public health measures to curb the outbreak’s spread.

10 Key Facts about Mumps Disease

These are the 10+5 key facts about Mumps Disease-

FAQs – Mumps Disease UPSC Questions

Question-1: What is mumps?

Answer. Mumps is a contagious viral illness that primarily affects the parotid glands (salivary glands near the ears), causing swelling and tenderness.

Question-2: What are the symptoms of mumps?

Answer. The most common symptoms include:

• Swollen salivary glands (parotitis) leading to puffy cheeks and a tender jaw.
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Earache (due to swollen glands)

Question-3: What causes mumps?

Answer. Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, a paramyxovirus.

Question-4: How is mumps transmitted?

Answer. The virus spreads through airborne droplets from coughs, sneezes, or close contact with infected saliva.

Question-5: How serious is mumps?

Answer. Mumps itself is usually not life-threatening. However, complications like deafness, meningitis, or inflammation of the testicles or ovaries can occur in rare cases.

Question-6: Is there a vaccine for mumps?

Answer. Yes, the MMR vaccine effectively protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Question-7: Who should get vaccinated against mumps?

Answer. Everyone should get vaccinated according to the recommended schedule. This is especially important for children and anyone who hasn’t had the disease previously.

Question-8: How can I prevent mumps besides vaccination?

Answer.

• Frequent handwashing
• Avoiding sharing personal items like utensils or drinks
• Staying home from school or work when sick

Question-9: What is the treatment for mumps?

Answer. There is no specific cure for mumps. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and allowing the body’s immune system to fight the infection. This may include:

• Plenty of fluids
• Rest
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (consult a doctor for appropriate medication)

Question-10: When should I see a doctor about mumps?

Answer. Consult a doctor if you experience:

• Severe symptoms like high fever, persistent vomiting, or testicular pain.
• Symptoms that worsen after a few days.
• Signs of potential complications like meningitis (severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion).