How mumps is transmitted in children

Mumps in children is mainly transmitted through droplets and direct contact. Preventive measures include vaccination, avoiding contact with patients and maintaining good hygiene habits. Mumps is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the mumps virus. The virus is transmitted through the patient's saliva, nasal secretions and other routes. In collective environments, such as schools and nurseries, group infections are prone to occur.

1. Droplet transmission is the main route of transmission of mumps. When the patient coughs, sneezes or talks, the virus will enter the air with the droplets, and susceptible people may be infected after inhalation. In a closed or poorly ventilated environment, the risk of droplet transmission is higher. The key to preventing droplet transmission is to maintain social distance and avoid close contact with patients, especially during the period when the patient is symptomatic.

2. Direct contact transmission is also an important way of spreading mumps. The virus can be spread through contact with the patient's saliva, nasal secretions or contaminated items such as tableware and toys. If a susceptible person touches a contaminated item and then touches his or her mouth, nose or eyes, the virus may be infected. To prevent direct contact transmission, you need to wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing personal items, and disinfect items that may be contaminated.

3. Mumps virus can also be transmitted from mother to child. Pregnant women infected with mumps virus during pregnancy may pass the virus to the fetus through the placenta, causing fetal developmental abnormalities or miscarriage. Newborns may also be infected during delivery due to contact with the mother's secretions. The key to preventing mother-to-child transmission is for pregnant women to avoid contact with mumps patients during pregnancy and get vaccinated in a timely manner.

4. The incubation period of mumps is usually 14-25 days, and patients are contagious during the incubation period and the early stage of the disease. Even after the symptoms disappear, the virus may still exist in the patient's body fluids and continue to spread. After recovery, patients still need to pay attention to personal hygiene and avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus.

5. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent mumps. Mumps vaccine is usually administered together with measles and rubella vaccine, called MMR vaccine. It is recommended that children receive the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. After vaccination, the human body will produce antibodies to effectively prevent mumps virus infection. For susceptible people who have not been vaccinated, especially children and adolescents, vaccination should be given in time.

There are many ways for children to get mumps, so prevention measures should start from cutting off the transmission route and improving the immunity of susceptible people. By getting vaccinated, maintaining good hygiene habits and avoiding contact with patients, the risk of infection can be effectively reduced and children's health can be protected.