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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Measles and Mumps?

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Measles and mumps are both infections caused by viruses, but they have distinct differences in symptoms and complications. Here are the main differences between the two:

Measles:

  • Causes symptoms like a bad cold or the flu, including a runny nose, inflamed red eyes, cough, and fever.
  • A rash that starts on the face and spreads all over the body usually appears 2 to 4 days after the initial symptoms.
  • Can result in serious complications, especially in those with weak immune systems.
  • May also cause pneumonia and serious problems during pregnancy.

Mumps:

  • Mainly affects the glands, causing swollen saliva-producing glands in the neck, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
  • A feared complication is that it can affect the testicles in males and cause sterility.
  • Can also cause other serious complications, such as deafness, meningitis, or encephalitis.

Both measles and mumps are highly contagious and can lead to outbreaks in group living situations, such as colleges. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against these three serious viral diseases.

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  • What is the Difference Between Measles and Mumps?
  • Comparative Table: Measles vs Mumps

    • Comparative Table: Measles vs Mumps

    Measles and mumps are both viral diseases caused by viruses belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae, specifically Measles morbillivirus and Mumps orthorubulavirus. They are highly contagious and share similar symptoms, but their long-term effects are different. Both diseases are common in young children and are treated through the same vaccine, known as the MMR vaccine. Here is a table summarizing the differences between measles and mumps:

    Feature Measles Mumps
    Causative Agent Measles morbillivirus Mumps orthorubulavirus
    Main Symptoms High fever, white spots inside the mouth, and red rash Swollen glands, particularly in the jaw and cheek area
    Transmission Through respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, throat Requires close contact, not as easily transmitted as measles
    Treatment Plenty of bed rest, fluids, painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), warm or cold compress to ease swollen glands, avoiding food that requires lots of chewing, and avoiding sour food Vaccination (MMR vaccine)

    Despite their similarities, measles and mumps have distinct differences in their symptoms and transmission methods. While measles is characterized by high fever and a red rash, mumps is marked by swollen glands, particularly in the jaw and cheek area. Additionally, measles is transmitted through respiratory droplets, whereas mumps requires close contact for transmission. Both diseases can be prevented through vaccination with the MMR vaccine.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.