<unk>  virus (MuV) is an enveloped, non-segmented, negative-sense RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxovirus family that causes<unk> . Humans are the only natural host for<unk>  virus (MuV). MuV is transmitted through respiratory droplets (saliva or mucus), direct contact, or contact with surfaces carrying MuV. MuV infects the upper respiratory tract epithelium and disseminates through the lymphatic system to cause systemic infection. Replication in the parotid gland (or other salivary gland) causes mononuclear cell infiltration, hemorrhage, edema, and necrosis. The average incubation period for MuV is 16-18 days. Nonspecific prodromal symptoms develop and last 3-4 days. Several days after onset of prodrome, one or both of the parotid salivary glands begin to swell (parotitis). One parotid may swell before the other, and in 25% of patients, only one side swells. Complications include: orchitis in post-pubertal males, Oophoritis and/or mastitis in post-pubertal females, transient sensorineural hearing loss, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Pancreatitis, and Spontaneous abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy.<unk>  is self-limiting and prognosis is excellent for uncomplicated<unk> . The characteristic presentation of<unk>  is tender, swollen parotid glands. Inflammation of submandibular and sublingual salivary glands is palpable in 10% of patients. Sialoadenitits is usually preceded by a low-grade fever. The jawbone is often not palpable and swelling pushes the angle of the ear out and up.<unk>  must be differentiated from other diseases or pathogens that cause upper respiratory infection, prodromal symptoms, swelling of salivary glands (sialadenitis), particularly parotitis. Etiologic agents that cause similar symptoms include: parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, coxsackievirus, influenza A, parvovirus B19, human herpesvirus 6. Non-infectious causes include: salivary calculi, tumor, sarcoid, Sjögren’s syndrome, thiazide drug reaction, iodine sensitivity. Laboratory findings for the<unk>  virus can be useful, and may include virus isolation from swabs of affected salivary ducts, urine, or serum samples. Serologic testing for IgM antibody or detecting a significant rise in IgG antibody confirms a<unk>  diagnosis.  Antigen detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an efficient and rapid method to determine<unk>  as a diagnosis.<unk>  can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. The United States is replacing MMR with the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox. A single dose is on average 78% effective at preventing<unk>  while 2 doses is on average 88% effective. Since the initiation of the MMR vaccination program in the United States in 1967, the incidence of<unk>  has declined by 99%.
Mumps
Chickenpox
Smallpox
Larva currens
Cowpox
Scabies
Cat scratch fever
Malaise