Is mumps infectious during the incubation period?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 21, 2024
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We generally distinguish three types of mumps: epidemic mumps, suppurative mumps, and immune mumps. However, the most commonly seen type is epidemic mumps, which is caused by the mumps virus and is an acute respiratory infectious disease characterized by the swelling of the salivary glands. Patients with mumps are infectious during the incubation period. Research has shown that the virus can be detected from 7 days before the swelling of the salivary glands to 9 days after the swelling, approximately lasting a week. This indicates that these two weeks are the infectious period. Therefore, when we identify patients with mumps, it is crucial to isolate them in a timely manner and provide treatment to prevent the spread of the infection to others.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Is mumps contagious?

The mumps commonly referred to is epidemic mumps, which is highly contagious, caused by an infection of the mumps virus leading to inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands, constituting an acute respiratory infectious disease. It is primarily transmitted through saliva, with individuals suffering from mumps serving as the contagion source. Viruses can be secreted via the saliva of infected individuals about two weeks before and after the onset of infection, hence its contagious nature. After developing symptoms, patients should be promptly isolated and treated to prevent transmission to others or to individuals with low immunity. Particularly during the spring and winter seasons, efforts should be made to avoid viral infections and seek timely treatment upon symptom onset.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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How is mumps caused?

There are several causes of mumps, which can be infectious, immune, obstructive, and idiopathic. The commonly referred mumps primarily refers to epidemic mumps, a prevalent infectious disease caused by the mumps virus infection in humans. Additionally, there is suppurative mumps, an acute bacterial condition mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Streptococcus. Some immune types of mumps, like Sjögren's syndrome, can cause chronic, autoimmune, and immune mumps. Therefore, identifying the cause of mumps and providing timely symptomatic treatment is essential.

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Written by Zhang Cui Xiang
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of mumps

There are many types of mumps, with acute suppurative mumps being common. In the early stages of inflammation, the symptoms are relatively mild and not obvious. If the condition continues to develop, pain in the parotid region becomes apparent, with slight swelling and tenderness in the parotid area, and mild redness and pain at the duct opening. As the disease progresses further to the stage of suppuration and necrosis of the parotid tissue, continuous pain in the parotid area, or throbbing pain, becomes evident. The swelling centered around the parotid area and earlobe becomes more prominent. At this point, massaging the gland can exude pus from the duct opening. Treatment mainly involves maintaining oral hygiene and administering systemic anti-inflammatory treatment. If an abscess forms, incision and drainage are performed.

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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How to distinguish between toothache and mumps

Tooth pain and mumps are easy to distinguish. First, when a tooth has a deep cavity, it becomes sensitive to hot and cold stimuli, producing transient pain. If there is periapical periodontitis or pulpitis, the pain becomes spontaneous and persists, worsening at night and becoming intolerable. If a patient has mumps, there is usually swelling and pain in the head and face, centered around the earlobe. Upon examination, the opening of the parotid duct inside the mouth is visibly swollen and pus is discharged when pressed.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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best method to treat mumps

The best treatment for mumps mainly depends on the specific condition of the child. If it is bacterial mumps, give the child some anti-infection drugs for treatment, and if there is suppuration, antibacterial treatment is necessary, along with standardized treatment. There is also epidemic mumps. If it is epidemic mumps, it is necessary to apply topical medications and timely administer oral antiviral drugs to the child because epidemic mumps is a self-healing infectious disease. Pay attention to a light, easily digestible diet, and avoid giving the child spicy and greasy foods.