- This week we talked about a case of parotitis secondary to mumps, the most common presentation of the mumps virus. Parotitis is caused by direct viral infection and associated inflammation of the parotid glands. Amylase, secreted from the parotids, is commonly elevated. This may be accompanied by a prodromal fever, headache, myalgias or malaise
- Other presentations include orchitis, oopheritis, aseptic meningitis or pancreatitis. More serious presentations, like encephalitis or cardiac involvement, are rare but possible
- Treatment is supportive. Because the virus is highly transmissible, patients should be placed on droplet and contact precautions if they are admitted to hospital
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