What is mumps?

Mumps is a painful inflammation of the salivary gland located just in front of the ear. The inflammation can occur in childhood without any complaints.

But in adults the risk of complaints and complications is much greater. The disease often starts with fever and swelling of the salivary gland, usually only on one side.

Mumps can cause meningitis, blindness, deafness, but also inflammation of the fallopian tube, testicles and pancreas. A quarter of men who develop edema after puberty develop testicular inflammation. Infertility can occur if the testicles are affected on both sides.

Mumps is a viral disease and treatment with antibiotics is therefore not helpful. In Belgium, children are vaccinated against mumps at 12 months and 10 years. The vaccine is administered together with the vaccine against rubella and measles.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024