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Mumps
Mumps is caused by a virus. The mumps virus is spread by direct contact with droplets from the sneeze or cough of an infected person. Mumps is most common in winter and spring.
Complications can occur, including inflammation of the spinal cord and brain, hearing loss, sterility (very rare) or death (extremely rare).
What are the signs of symptoms?
- About 30 per cent of people with mumps will only have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
- Pain or soreness in jaw and neck area. Swelling and tenderness start just below, and in front of, one or both ears.
- There may also be fever (high temperature), headache and loss of appetite.
- In males, tenderness in the testicles may occur.
How can I prevent mumps?
Children should be immunised against mumps at 12 months of age and before starting school (four to five years) with the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. The vaccine provides long-term immunity.
How can mumps be treated?
- Keep your child away from other children during the infectious period. They are contagious for up to six days before swelling of the glands begins and up to nine days after the onset of swelling.
- If your child attends school or childcare, let the principal or director know that your child has mumps.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your general practitioner (GP) or contact your local Public Health Unit. You can find the number in the Health Services listing in the information pages at the front of the phone book.
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