MUMPS

is an infectious discaso due to a germ which has not been discovered at present. Infection occurs by lirect contact of the sick with tho healthy, but not by means of infected clothing. For the age most liable to attack, the incubation and quarantine period a, refer to the Fable under Fever. Tho symptoms begin with fever, followed in a short time by inflammatory swelling of ths jalivary gland, known as the “ parotid” which is situated n front of the ear and just behind the jaw. As a rule only one side is attacked. In opening the mouth pain is caused by the pre ure of the jaw on the inflamed gland. The attack last a about a weck end recovery occurs without ‘xception. The only complication of importance is nfl am mat i on of the testicle in boys and of the breast in tirls. This complication is rare but demands attention f it occurs. The treatment is isolation from all ander wenty years of age, with conf i no ment to bed while tho emperature is raised. Tho swollen face should be wrapped n cotton-wool or flanncl. A chlorate of potash gargle hould be used every few hours, but ao other medicine is yeeded. The dict is nece arily a spoon one, owing to the ain of mastication. The complication above mentioned ihould be watched for, and when present at once reported 0 the doctor. [s. 388]