Mumps (epidemic parotitis) is an infection caused by a virus. This affects the salivary glands, especially the parotid gland which lies in front of and below the ear.
The incubation period is about three weeks. The illness usually appears as fever and enlargement, pain and tenderness of one or both parotid glands. There may be difficulty in opening the mouth and in eating and drinking.
The illness rarely lasts beyond one week, unless one of the complications sets in.
As in other viral infections the brain may become involved, causing an encephalitis.
In young men and boys beyond puberty, the testes may be involved. When orchitis (inflammation of the testes) is present, there is usually a high temperature and considerable pain.
As a rule, only one testis is involved but, occasionally, both may be.
Cortisone may be used in an attempt to reduce the inflammation, as atrophy (shrinking of the testis) may occur and it may lose its function.
Involvement of the testes before puberty is rare.
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Tags: General health