Mumps (epidemic Parotitis)

Clinical Description

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a filterable virus. The parotid glands are the salivary glands most involved with mumps, but the sublingual and submandibular glands may also be affected. In 75-80% of cases both glands are involved.

Signs and Symptoms

• Swelling of the involved gland, Redness and slight swelling of the duct opening, Displacement of the auricle, the secretions are not purulent. Sometimes there is fever

Investigations

• FBC
• Diagnosis is clinical

Treatment Objective

• Relieve symptoms

Non-pharmacological

• Massage the gland

Pharmacological

• Paracetamol
• Children 30 - 40 mg/kg/24 hr. divided into 4 – 6 doses
• Adults 1g PO 8 hourly or PRN

ALTERNATIVES

• Tramadol 100 mg PO 8 hourly. PRN for adults.
• ADRs: dependence, abdominal pain, anorexia, central nervous, stimulation, vertigo, skin rashes, sweating and vomiting. C/Is: Respiratory depression, in the presence of acute alcoholism, head injury, during pregnancy and lactation
• N.B. Not recommended for children below 12 years of age