CauseEstablishment

The virus enters the body via the nasopharynx and multiplies in the respiratory tract and the salivary glands of the head. The mumps virus then migrates to the lymph nodes, from where it multiplies again and reaches and infects various organs via the bloodstream. The virus infestation and inflammatory processes of the salivary glands of the head, especially the parotid gland, are typical.

The involvement of the pancreas, the meninges, the mammary gland as well as the testicles and ovaries (= ovaries) are complications of mumps disease. Mumps is transmitted by droplet infection, i.e. by coughing or sneezing. The risk of infection (contagiousness) of saliva is very high, so that transmission through objects taken into the mouth, e.g. by small children, is also possible.

There is a maximum risk of infection or transmission from 7 days before to 9 days after the onset of the disease. The causative agent of mumps is a mumps virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, which only occurs in humans. The virus enters the body via the nasopharynx.

The virus then multiplies in the mucous membranes and/or lymph nodes. Finally, the virus enters the blood and infects mainly the salivary glands. The pathogen is detected indirectly in the blood via lgM antibodies, which indicate an acute infection, and IgG antibodies, which stand for a disease that has already been overcome or for vaccination protection.

If the virus colonizes the meninges of the brain and causes meningitis, antibodies can also be found in the cerebral fluid (liquor) after 2-3 weeks. Direct detection of the mumps virus is possible using a specific method, the polymerase chain reaction PCR. The mumps virus can be detected from various body secretions. The pathogen detection must be reported by the responsible laboratory according to §7 IfSG (Infektionsschutzgesetz).

First signs of mumps

The classic first sign of mumps are the so-called “hamster cheeks”. These are caused by an inflammation of the parotid glands (Glandulae parotis), which are most commonly affected. The swelling usually starts on one side and then spreads to the opposite side.

A reddening of the ducts of the salivary glands on the inside of the cheek is often another early symptom of mumps. In addition to the swelling and possibly protruding ears, pain also occurs in this area, especially when chewing.In addition to the parotid glands, all other salivary glands in the body, including the pancreas, can be affected. In addition to fever and flu-like symptoms, the first signs may be a general reduction in well-being.