The virus Paramyxovirus causes mumps. It effects humans of all ages and races, but it's most common in young children. It's spread by direct contact with an affected persons saliva or blood. The droplets from sneezing or coughing can also spread mumps. Once you've gotten mumps you have lifelong immunity.
Symptoms of the mumps virus are fever, headache, and difficulty in swallowing. It also causes inflammation and swelling of the jaw, in severe cases the jaw is painful and tender to the touch. The swelling usually disappears in 7 to 10 days. The mumps virus can stay in your body for 20 days or 3 weeks before symptoms appear.
A vaccine, usually given to children in their second year of life can prevent mumps. The live mumps vaccine was invented and introduced in the 1960's. Now the vaccine is usually mixed with the measles and Rubella vaccines.
Transmission electron micrograph of rubella virus.
English: Woman receiving rubella vaccination, Scho...
Copyright Restrictions: None - This image is in th...Rubella is a type of German measles. If the vaccine is given within 24 hours of exposure it can prevent or minimize the effects.
Treatment of the Mumps Virus includes a diet of soft foods and a lot of fluids, especially water. Also plenty of sleep and some pain relievers.
None - This image is in the public domain and thus...
Rubella virus 10221 lores
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Mumps virus, negative stained TEM 8758 lores