Mumps

Mumps is a viral illness caused by a paramyxovirus that infects the parotid glands, the salivary glands located below the ear at the jaw angle. Mumps is transmitted via infected droplets of saliva or direct contact with contaminated materials. A person with mumps is contagious from forty eight hours before the onset of symptoms to six days after the symptoms have started. One episode of mumps is sufficient for lifelong immunity. Mumps is commonly seen in children, but if it does occur in adolescents or adults, the ovaries and testes can be involved, leading to sterility.

Symptoms: swelling of the parotid glands, headache, fever, chills, decreased appetite, sore throat, pain when swallowing or chewing.

Who to consult: dietician, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath, pharmacist.