Mar 29, 2017
Author: Gretchen Hinson M.D.
Educational Pearls:
- The key imaging of a mumps patient is “chipmunk cheeks” or parotitis.
- The swelling can extend almost to the ears and can be extremely painful - in about 25% of cases the swelling is unilateral.
- Other organs can be involved as well including: testicles, ovaries, breast tissue, other salivary glands, and the brain/spinal cord.
- Mumps is transmitted through droplets in the air.
- Two immunizations will get you 88% probability immunity and one immunization will get you 78% probability of immunity. Yet, immunity can wane and there can be viral strains not covered by the immunization.
- Mumps outbreaks are common in the winter season because of close quarters.
- You can test for Mumps using an IGM blood test, (more likely to see a spike in this if the patient is not vaccinated) Buckle swabs, & Urine test.
References: https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/index.html