Mumps causes

Overview
Mumps is caused by a paramyxovirus, and transmission of the virus occurs via respiratory secretions such as infected saliva, air droplets or via direct contact with articles that have been contaminated with infected saliva. The incubation period is usually 18 to 21 days. Infected patients remain contagious from approximately 6 days before the onset of symptoms until about 9 days after the onset of symptoms.

Cause
Mumps is caused by a paramyxovirus, and transmission of the virus occurs via respiratory secretions such as infected saliva, air droplets or via direct contact with articles that have been contaminated with infected saliva.

Mumps is generally a mild illness among pediatric population in developed countries. The incubation period is usually 18 to 21 days, but may range from as few as 12 to as many as 35 days. Infected patients remains contagious from approximately 6 days before the onset of symptoms until about 9 days after the onset of symptoms.

Following initial entry of the virus, it locally replicates and disseminates to the salivary glands especially the parotid glands which are most commonly involved irrespective of the age of presentation. However, if infection occurs after adolescence, it usually affects the ovary, causing oophoritis, and the testes, causing orchitis and is seen in approximately 10-20% infected males. The mature testis is particularly susceptible to damage from mumps which can lead to infertility; however its a rare occurance. Adults infected with mumps are more likely to develop severe symptoms and complications such as viral meningitis which is observed in approximately 5% of the infected population. Among the elderly population infected with mumpms, multiple organ involvement including the central nervous system, the pancreas, the prostate and the breasts is commonly observed.

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 * For more information on the virus, click here