Mumps is a highly contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. The contamination takes place from human to human (for example by sneezing or coughing). The incubation time of the Mumps is 2 to 3 weeks. Starting from 5 days before the illnesses start, the patient is very contagious. A patient with the Mumps can sometimes have this disease completely without symptoms, may pass on the disease without knowing it.
If there are any symptoms, these are usually:
Fever
The swelling of the salivary glands in the mouth
Swelling of one or both cheeks.
Possible complications of the disease
Very occasionally inflammation of the pancreas, unilateral deafness or rheumatism.
In 4-10 patients per 1000 there may be meningitis or brain swelling.
Sometimes there will be an inflammation of the internal genitals, the testes or ovaries.
In the past, 300 to 800 children and adults in the hospital with epistaxis each year ended up, which was caused by the Mumps. Today, 95 percent of people are vaccinated and the disease is almost no longer present.
Inoculations against the Bof
Children are vaccinated against the Bof at the age of 14 months and again at 9 years as part of the MMR vaccination program.
Also see these information articles: · Childhood illness · Chickenpox · Common colds · Fifth disease · Impetigo · Meningitis · Roseola · Rubella · Scarlet fever · Whooping cough