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We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.and the flu to measles and norovirus, there's no shortage of illnesses to be on the lookout for these days. But another new concern just popped up: On March 5, the New Jersey Department of Health urging individuals to be wary of mumps.
"As a physician and as a mom, I understand what it is like to try to keep your kids and your family healthy. The best way to keep you and your loved ones safe is to get the MMR shot.
Officials from the NJDOH are asking individuals to be on the lookout for potential mumps symptoms—which the CDC saysMumps can start with a fever, according to the NJDOH release. The CDC says this will likely be a low-grade fever that may last around three to four days.But the symptom mumps is"best known" for is swelling. The virus usually causes swelling in one or both parotid salivary glands, which are located in the cheek and jaw area.
"The swollen tissue pushes the angle of the ear up and out," the CDC explains."As swelling worsens, the angle of the jawbone below the ear is no longer visible. Often, the jawbone cannot be felt because of swelling of the parotid."Another sign of mumps is a loss of appetite. This can appear before swelling or after, as some of those infected may"be unable to eat because of jaw pain," according to the CDC.