Mumps, a contagious disease caused by a paramyxovirus, has spread quickly Mumps Outbreak in Kerala this year. According to media reports, up to 190 cases were reported in the state on March 10 alone. According to data from the Kerala Health Department, there were over 2,500 cases of mumps in March, and over 11,467 cases this year.
Malabar’s Kasaragod and Malappuram districts have seen a surge in cases.
What is Mumps? What Symptoms Does It Cause?
Mumps is distinguished by painful swelling of the salivary glands, which results in puffy cheeks and a tender, enlarged jaw. Other symptoms include headache, fatigue, fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite, and a sore throat.
Parotitis occurs when the parotid glands, the major salivary glands located in front of and below the ears, become infected.
Males suffering from mumps may experience testicular pain and lumps, as well as a swollen scrotum.
Symptoms can appear 12-25 days or 16-18 days after infection.
In some cases, mumps symptoms are so mild that the infected person may be unaware they have the disease.
How Does Mumps Spread?
Mumps is a viral disease that occurs when one inhales aerosols containing the paramyxovirus through the nose and mouth, or when one comes into contact with items contaminated with infected saliva.
Children aged two to twelve who have not been vaccinated against mumps are most likely to become infected. Mumps, on the other hand, can affect adults in some cases.
Mumps can also affect the central nervous system and the testicles.
How is Mumps Diagnosed?
Mumps can be diagnosed by examining the symptoms or performing blood tests.
In most cases, tests are not necessary.
How is Mumps Treated?
Mumps do not have a specific treatment.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the only way to relieve symptoms is to apply ice or heat packs to the neck, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with warm salt water, take acetaminophen or Tylenol as a pain reliever, and eat soft foods.
How Can Mumps be Prevented?
To reduce a child’s chances of contracting the mumps virus, they must receive a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. This is referred to as the MMR vaccine.
It is given in two stages: the first shot at nine months and the second at 15 months.
What Complications Can Arise Due to Mumps?
Mumps can infect organs besides the salivary glands.
For example, the disease could cause testicles to swell. This condition is referred to as orchitis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, impacting the testicles may reduce the infected man’s sterility.
Other complications include pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas; meningitis, an inflammation of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord; oophoritis, an inflammation of the ovaries; mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue; encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain; and deafness.
What Happens When Adults Suffer From Mumps?
Adults with mumps are more likely to develop certain complications than children.
These include meningitis, encephalitis, mastitis, oophoritis, orchitis, and pancreatitis.
What is The Prognosis of The Disease?
A person infected with mumps usually recovers within seven days of the appearance of symptoms.
Following this, they will be immune to mumps for the rest of their lives.