Updates
MUMPS UPDATE
MUMPS UPDATE
Tuesday 13 April. This is an update about Mumps -please be aware that mumps is around.
I have spoke to colleague doctors with experience of mumps patients. Also Public Health and Colindale Laboratory.
In our experience, all recent mumps patients have previously received MMR (measles, mumps & rubella) vaccine.
Currently the blood tests for mumps reinfection (having had previous MMR vaccination) is of a different pattern. In mumps re-infection now the IgM does NOT increase (as would be expected after a first mumps infection).
Mumps is a highly contagious infection, and people who are infected are most contagious for 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms and for five days afterwards, so please be aware to reduce community spread.
Usually affects children, teenagers and young adults. The most common symptom of mumps is a swelling of the parotid glands located both sides of the face, but in my experience usually appears prominently on one side (called unilateral). In my experience incubation period is usually three weeks.
CONTACT: Please contact your General Practitioner GP (not hospital or casualty walkin centre).
NOTIFICATION: Mumps is a "Notifiable disease" specified under Public Health for the Health Protection Agency. Your GP will complete the notification, and patient will receive saliva testing kit in the post.
PREVENTION: The most effective way to prevent catching mumps is to have the MMR vaccine which is thought to be 95% effective in providing protection against the mumps.
OUTLOOK: The outlook for young children with mumps is generally good because the symptoms should pass within two weeks without causing any long-term problems.
TREATMENT: As there is currently no cure for mumps, treatment is aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and preventing the further spread of infection.
This information is not intended or understood to replace your general practitioner who you should contact for your medical advice and diagnosis.
Written by Dr Martin Harris, Doctor and Mohel for Jewish Circumcision Clinic in London Bris Mila Brit Milah.
www.circumcisionlondon.co.uk
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KosherPages medical columnist Dr Martin Harris (GP, Honorary Consultant Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children & Mohel) answers your questions on health. You may contact Dr Harris using the form below.