MORE THAN 15,000 CASES OF MUMPS REPORTED IN KERALA; KNOW THE SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Kerala has reported a total of 15,637 cases of mumps as of March 22 over the last two months. The state has been grappling with the mumps outbreak over the past few months. Reports state that cases have been recorded in various districts, however, Malappuram and Kozhikode have reported the highest number of cases.

In a recent development, state authorities have asked the Central government to replace the current MR vaccine used in the Universal Immunisation Programme with the MMR Vaccine. Union Health Ministry has said that the National Centre for Disease Control in the state had been alerted about the situation.

Other than Kerala, cases of mumps have also been reported in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra.

What is mumps?

Mumps is a contagious illness that’s caused by the mumps virus. This virus belongs to a group of viruses known as paramyxoviruses. Cleveland Clinic says that the illness starts with mild symptoms such as headache, fever and fatigue. “But then it typically leads to severe swelling in certain salivary glands (parotitis) that causes puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.”

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes of an infected person or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

According to Cleveland Clinic, “Mumps used to be a very common childhood disease. After the mumps vaccine became available in 1967, the number of cases reduced significantly. However, mumps outbreaks still occur, especially among people who have prolonged close contact.”

Symptoms of mumps

The initial symptoms of mumps are usually mild. However, a lot of people don’t show any symptoms. Here, take a look at some of the mild symptoms of mumps, according to Cleveland Clinic.

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite

After a few days, you might also notice painful swelling of your parotid glands. Cleveland Clinic says, “This classic sign of mumps looks like ‘chipmunk cheeks’ because your cheeks puff up and your jaw swells. Parotitis occurs in more than 70% of mumps cases.”

In rare cases, mumps affects your organs such as your brain, ovaries, testicles or pancreas. Here, take a look at some of the severe symptoms of mumps that children might develop, according to Cleveland Clinic.

  • High fever
  • Stiff neck
  • Severe headache
  • Confusion
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures

People who are affected by mumps

Mumps usually affects children between the ages of 2 to 12 who haven’t received the mumps vaccine. Cleveland Clinic says that adolescents and adults can get mumps despite being vaccinated against it. “This occurs because there’s waning immunity of the vaccine after several years. Still, the best way to protect against mumps infection is to be fully vaccinated.”

Prevention of mumps

Mumps is known to be a highly preventable disease. This is because the mumps vaccine is highly effective. The vaccine is usually given as a part of a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

“Children usually receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine as part of the childhood immunization schedule. They receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between the ages of 4 and 6,” says Cleveland Clinic.

2024-03-28T04:42:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd