CAUSES OF MUMPS IN BABIES

Mumps spreads in babies when an infected person coughs or sneezes and through the direct contact like drinking glasses, dirty hands and tissues. Sometimes it can be very serious disease in babies which can cause a mild inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Due to mumps, babies can get fever, headache, swollen and painful glands. In the US , each year 4500 to 13000 cases are reported.

SYMPTOMS OF MUMPS

Mumps have the following symptoms and they are:-

• Swollen cheeks
• Swollen and painful testicles
• Abdominal pain
• Hearing problems

Mumps can also have an adverse effect on the body and it can last up to four weeks. So, the new born babies should be taken cared by the mother so that it should not be transferred to them by any contaminated item.

DIAGNOSIS OF MUMPS

Mumps can be diagnosed based on the symptoms and they are:-

• A history of exposure to the disease
• The presence of swelling and painful parotid glands and many more

Doctor will diagnose the babies by taking various tests like-

• Blood tests such as ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent essay) or EIA.
• By taking samples of urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid

TREATMENT OF MUMPS

As mumps is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. The mother can treat her baby by giving the best possible treatment. She can provide plenty of water to drink, regularly rinse the mouth etc. There are other treatments which a mother can provide to the baby and they are:-

• Isolate the baby to prevent spreading the disease mumps
• Should keep a check on the temperature; keep a record of dates and readings of temperature. If the temperature rises above 101 degrees then she should contact the doctor.
• Non-aspirin fever medications like ibuprofen can be given to the baby to reduce the fever.
• If the condition of the baby is serious, then the mother should immediately contact the child specialist.

PREVENTION OF MUMPS

Vaccinations should be given to the baby time to time so that he/she should not get any infection. If the baby is diagnosed and it is confirmed that he/she is having mumps they should be given suitable vaccinations at a proper time. MMR vaccine prevents the baby from further infection.

This vaccination fights with the infection caused by the virus making the body weak and as a result life-long immunity in babies develops. This vaccination is useful against fighting for all the three diseases-Measles, mumps and rubella.

CONCLUSION

Mumps is also an infection which is carried to babies very easily. If the precautions have not been taken then this disease can be dangerous too. In case it is serious, the baby should be taken to hospital immediately.

Source:tenderbabycare.com