Mumps (Mumps Virus)
Bell’s palsy can also occur due to the Mumps virus. The salivary glands near the ears are primarily impacted by the viral infection known as mumps brought by these glands. A single or both salivary glands may swell due to the mumps.
Before vaccination against the disease became commonplace, mumps was widespread in the US. The number of instances has significantly decreased since that time. The rate of cases has gradually risen over the years, yet mumps outbreaks continue to happen in the United States. These incidents typically affect unvaccinated individuals in densely populated areas like schools or university campuses.
Mumps complications, like hearing loss, have the potential to be devastating but are uncommon. Moreover, this health condition does not have a specific treatment.
Individuals who catch the mumps virus exhibit no or minor symptoms. If symptoms and signs of mumps do manifest, they typically do so two to three weeks following viral contact.
The main indication of mumps is incredibly swollen cheeks due to swollen salivary glands. This symptom can also occur along with fever, pain in the swollen glands, and painful swallowing and chewing. Additionally, it can show signs of fatigue and weakness, headache, loss of appetite, and muscle aches.
