Health authorities recorded a mumps outbreak in the southern state of Kerala; they recorded 190 cases in a single day. There have been 2,505 cases of the viral infection this month, and over two months later, the number has reached 11,467 cases, as per the reports from the health department of Kerala.
According to The Indian Express, the reports stated that the Union Health Ministry has acknowledged the outbreak and informed the National Centre for Disease Control in the state.
Health officials have reported most of the cases from the Malappuram district and other parts of north Kerala. The vaccines against mumps, measles, and rubella are available but are not part of the government’s universal immunisation programme.
What are Mumps?
An airborne virus called paramyxovirus causes mumps, an infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, leading to swelling and pain.
Mumps Symptoms
Symptoms of the virus are likely to appear within two to four weeks; they start with mild fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Doctors can identify it by the enlargement of the salivary glands. They generally observe it in young children, adolescents, and adults as well.
As per public health experts, children can get the vaccines against all three diseases (mumps-measles-rubella) at private centres.
Mumps Treatment
As of now, there is no specific treatment for mumps; most of the cases tend to clear up naturally after a few weeks. Reports advise drinking lots of fluids, gargling with warm salt water, and eating soft, non-acidic foods that are easily digestible to reduce pain and other symptoms.
Doctors may recommend booster shots for teens. Children can receive MMR vaccines. Pregnant women should consult a doctor immediately.
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