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Mumps is spreading rapidly in Kerala and around 2,505 cases of the self-limited viral disease have been reported in the state this month. The count of 190 in a single day on March 10 has become a cause of concern especially for state health officials who are taking all measures to limit its spread. This disease, caused by paramyxovirus, mostly causes mild symptoms, but less than 1% of people may experience potential complications such as brain swelling or hearing loss after vaccination. Although mumps can affect any age group, it is more common in children aged 5-9 years. After an incubation period of approximately 2 to 4 weeks, mumps begins with symptoms such as myalgia, headache, malaise, and low-grade fever, and as days pass, progresses to unilateral or bilateral swelling of the parotid salivary glands. She goes.
According to WHO, mumps vaccines are available as a monovalent vaccine, a bivalent measles-mumps vaccine, or a trivalent measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR). Mumps is spread by direct contact or by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract of infected individuals. Not everyone infected with the virus develops symptoms. Swollen, painful salivary glands, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue and loss of appetite are among its symptoms. It takes about two weeks to recover from the disease that is preventable by the MMR vaccine.
While the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine has largely stopped the spread, outbreaks are still reported. The disease can also affect vaccinated people, but symptoms remain mild.
symptoms of mumps
Dr. Neha Rastogi, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram explains the symptoms of mumps:
- Swelling and pain in one or both parotid glands (located just below the ears)
- Fever
- Headache
- muscle pain
- Tiredness
- loss of appetite
- pain while chewing or swallowing
Reason behind spread of mumps
From lack of vaccination to low immunity, Dr. Rastogi shares in detail the reasons behind the spread of mumps:
Lack of vaccination: Mumps outbreaks often occur in communities where vaccination rates are low or where many people are unvaccinated. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps, but when vaccination rates decline, outbreaks can occur.
Closest contact: Mumps is spread by respiratory droplets produced by coughing, sneezing or talking, as well as by direct contact with the saliva or mucus of an infected person. Close living quarters such as college dorms or military barracks can facilitate the spread of the virus.
Compromised Immunity: People with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy are at higher risk of developing mumps and experiencing more severe symptoms.
Treatment and Management
Mumps is a self-limited disease, so there is no specific treatment and symptoms are controlled with hydration, pain relief, and proper nutrition. Dr. Rastogi shares the following tips:
supportive care: There is no specific treatment for mumps, so management focuses on relieving symptoms. This includes getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever and reduce pain.
Solitude: Infected individuals should be isolated from others to prevent further spread of the virus, especially those who have not been vaccinated or are at higher risk of complications.
vaccination: The best way to prevent mumps outbreaks is vaccination. The MMR vaccine is usually given in two doses, the first dose at 12–15 months of age and the second dose at 4–6 years of age. Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status should consider getting vaccinated, especially if they are at risk of exposure or plan to travel to areas with known outbreaks.
Public Health Measures: Health authorities can implement measures such as contact tracing, quarantine of exposed individuals, and vaccination campaigns to control mumps outbreaks and prevent further transmission. It is important for communities to work together to promote vaccination and reduce the spread of mumps.
prevention
“The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent mumps. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding sharing utensils or drinks with infected individuals, can help prevent its spread. Parents need to be alert and take extra care of their children and ensure that they are following proper hygiene. If someone gets mumps, rest, plenty of fluids, and painkillers can help ease symptoms while the body fights the infection. If complications arise or symptoms get worse, it is important to seek medical attention,” Dr. Says Anil MU, consultant pediatrician and intensivist, Sparsh Hospital, Bangalore.
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