The Ministry of Health of the Community of Madrid has recently warned about an outbreak of mumps that already affects more than 30 young people between 18 and 22 years. This outbreak comes to add to other cases that have happened so far this year.
These sporadic outbreaks are normal, and in this particular case it could be due to a problem with certain doses of the triple viral vaccine administered during the years 1985 to 1988 and between 1995 to 1998, which were not adequately protected.
The Community of Madrid recommends checking if revaccination is needed to avoid getting sick, and it is important that our children have their current vaccination schedule. We tell you everything you need to know about Mumps and its prevention.
What are mumps?
Epidemic mumps or mumps is a viral infection that mainly affects the glands that make saliva, so that they become inflamed and hurt. The largest are the parotids, which are located in front of the auricular pavilion. There are also other glands located under the jaw.
It is common in children between two and 12 years not vaccinated against the disease, although it can happen at any age.
In Babies and more The mumps vaccine: everything you need to knowHow is it spread?
It is a very contagious disease, because the virus responsible (of the paramyxovirus family) is especially resistant, being able to survive for several months even at -65ºC.
Like so many other viral diseases, the mumps virus It is spread through the air through saliva. That is, the infected person can spread through coughing and sneezing, sharing certain utensils (pacifiers, bottles, cutlery ...) or through the droplets of saliva that are expelled when we speak.
It is also common to be infected by direct contact with contaminated surfaces, when we touch something and then we put our hands to our mouths, nose or eyes.
The period of incubation is two weeks to 24 days, so that the sick person can spread without even knowing they have the disease. However, the period of maximum contagion takes place one or two days before the glands begin to swell, and up to five days later.
What symptoms do you have?
Usually, epidemic mumps is a mild disease without sequelae when contracted during childhood, and may become more serious if contagion occurs in adulthood. Although one in five infected children have no symptoms, the following discomforts are often associated:
Pain and difficulty chewing, due to inflammation of the glands. Some people may also have trouble talking.
Cough and runny nose.
Headache, general discomfort and moderate fever during the first days.
In Babies and more Natural remedies to reduce fever in childrenNormally, the two parotid glands become inflamed, although in only 25 percent of cases only one is inflamed; It is what is known as unilateral parotidis.
Associated complications
Although it is not usual, sometimes the disease could be complicated in children:
In men it can cause a swelling of the testicles, which has pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting and fever. This inflammation is more common after puberty, and only exceptionally could it produce sterility.
Inflammation in the joints and other organs such as the pancreas, kidneys, thyroid gland or even the breasts.
Mumps can also produce damage to the central nervous system, such as meningitis, problems coordinating movements, or deafness in one or both ears, this being the most frequent complication in children.
How is the disease treated?
If the child has contracted mumps there is nothing we can do to make the disease last less time, or there is also no specific treatment. We can only wait for the disease to take its course, and apply a series of measures to improve symptoms:
Painkillers recommended by the pediatrician to control fever and relieve general discomfort. Acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin should not be administered, nor antibiotics, as they do not work for viral processes.
Promote the correct rest of the child.
Increase fluid intake.
Occasionally, the application of cold packs in the inflamed area can help mitigate the pain.
The inflammation of the glands will begin to subside between the fourth and seventh day.
If your child has contracted mumps, you should not go to daycare or school until you are recovered. And if there are small brothers at home, it is advisable to stay away from them if they do not yet have the full vaccination schedule.
How can mumps be prevented?
The only way to preventing mumps is through vaccination. The mumps vaccine is part of the viral triple, and is given together with rubella and measles. It can also be administered as part of the tetraviral vaccine, which also contains the component against chickenpox.
In Babies and more, what should you consider before vaccinating your children ?: vaccine contraindicationsAccording to the official calendar, the first dose of the vaccine is administered after 12 months, and the second dose between three and four years. The use of the tetraviral vaccine as a second dose is currently being implemented.
Older adults may be naturally immunized for having passed the disease.
How is it possible that there are outbreaks in vaccinated people?
Mumps outbreaks are not something exceptional, and they have been happening cyclically in recent years, as we saw a while ago with an outbreak in Navarra.
In the case of the Madrid outbreak, it seems to be due to a problem of efficacy in the component against mumps of the vaccine, administered to children in the mid-80s and 90s. However, we must not forget that no vaccine protects 100%, and there may be people who are not fully immunized.
In addition, the AEP indicates other factors that may lead to the appearance of epidemic outbreaks:
Relaxation in meeting the deadlines of the vaccine calendars.
Loss of vaccination activity over time.
And, occasionally, to the characteristics of the vaccine strains that can cause us to contract the disease even when vaccinated.
So, let's check our children's vaccination calendar To ensure that all your vaccines are up to date, and if we have any questions regarding our vaccination status, it is best to consult your doctor.
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