The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1913-05-22
MUMPSARE SERIOUS
WHEN CMPCOLIATED.
Protect Patient and Prevent Con-
tagiOn, Says the Georgia
State Board Of Health.

Atlanta, Ga.-Ihe danger in
mumps, or what is known to medical
science as epidemic parotitis, Is not
so much in the disease itself as IN
the complications which are liable to
attend it. For this reason it is I'M
portant that the patient be carefully
protected against possible compllca-
lions, and also that precautions pc
taken against spreading the contag-
ion, says the Georgia state Board Oh
Health.
The cause of mumps has never been
definitely determined. Like the ma
jcrity of the diseases of childhood
it is among the mysteries of medl-
cine. But it is well established fact
that the disease is contagious ana
can be transmitted from one person
to another.
While infants and adults are rare
" attacked by mumps, they may have
it., and care should be taken to AVOID
the contagion. The greatest period OF
of liability to the disease is from
four to fifteen years of age.
Mu1nps is one of the Oldest OF
known diseases. 1t was accurately
described by Hippocrates, the an
cient Greek physician who noted the
suppuration of the parotid gland, ana
The secondary Inflammation OF the
sexual organs was even known 10
him. 1t does not appear to be limited
by climate, though the colder season
in the temperate zone is more favor
able to it, and it is noted that II IS
more freauent in prolonged cold ana
wet weather.
How the contaeion Is Spread.
1t has been demonstrated that the
contagion may be carried in various
ways. A person may contract mumps
by being directly exposed to one nav
inc the disease: indirectly by coming
into contact with a third person VINO
has been exposed to it, or by recelV-
uing the infection from some artlcie
that has been used or handled by the
patient having the disease. me dang
er Of contagion is not so great as III
the eruptive fevers, such as small
pox, scarlet fever, measles and the
like. nor is it ordinarily accompanied
bv such serious or dangerous comph-
cations.
Nevertheless there occur occasion
ally serious and sometimes very pain
snl complications such as sloughing
of the parotid glands, painful swell
ing Of the sexual glands followed OIL
ten by an atrophy Or surveying OF
these organs. Besides these compn-
cations humps has been known to
induce commissions, meningitis, IN
Examination of the joints and pancreas,
deafness, facial paralysis, bright
disease and in very occasional cases.
loss of memory.
Because of these possible compll-
cations it is well to avoid exposure
tn the disease as far as possible
hildren with humps should not only
HI taken from school, but should be
Isolated, and the same precautions
should be taken as in the case Of 9TH
er contagious diseases. While the
disinfection of soiled bed
and body clothing, including handker-
chiefs and cloths used for the collec-
ton of discharges from the nose and
is regarded as important in
the spread Of the contag-
ion, fumigation OF the room following
recovery of the patient is not regard
ed as essential.
The symptoms Of Mumps.
In an attack of humps loss Of &C.
tivity is noted, accompanied by pal
lor and lassitude; the child may be
come irritable and complain Of car
ache which will be followed by the
swelling of one side of the face. TN
a bilateral attack both sides become
swollen). Fever may develop, mildly
at FIRST, and going sometimes as high
as 1O4. Even higher temperatures
have been noted The swelling be
comes CONSPICUOUS from the ear
down. the skin, pale, glistening,
and tense: the tongue coated. Chew
ing becomes painful process; diff
ficulty in caring for the mouth may
cause bad smelling breath. Nausea
and vomiting arg often noted.
The time which elapses between
exposure and development of the
disease probably averages a little
more than two weeks. Contagion is
possible during the entire course of
the attack and also several days af-
ter the swelling of the parotad glands
has disappeared. The patient should
be isolated, therefore, for three weeks
after the beginning of the symptoms
or for ten days after the swelling has
subsidized.
There are two parotid glands, one
on either side of the face, just in
front of and extending slightly below
the ear. Both of these glands are
usually involved, the patient having
what is sometimes called double
humps or humps on both sides. The
swelling is usually at its height by
the end of the third day. 1t may eX-
tend down into the tissues of the
neck. After remaining stationary for
two or three days, the swelling
gradually diminishes and disappears.
IN an attack of mumps the patient
should be isolated and a physician
called. Applications of warm oil are
used with good effect The mouth
should be kept clean with some anti