According to the Kerala Health Department, Kerala has seen around 11,467 cases of mumps since January 2024. 190 cases were reported in a single day on March 10 and the number is increasing. This month alone has around 2,505 cases recorded. It is a highly contagious viral infection which has been spreading across Kerala and effective people of all ages, especially children. 

The National Centre for Disease Control has been notified by the health officials. Even though the vaccine for mumps, measles, and rubella exists, it does not come under the government's immunisation programme. Children can get the mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) vaccine in a private facility. If the children have already gotten a measles-rubella (MR) vaccine from the government, they can still get the MMR vaccine in private centres.  

Most of the cases are from Malappuram district and other northern parts of Kerala. According to experts Malappuram has always been highly hesitant of vaccines in Kerela. 

What is mumps?

Mumps is a disease caused by a virus called paramyxovirus. It affects the salivary glands and parotid glands and spreads through saliva. The virus generally spreads from saliva droplets, nasal secretions, and close contact. The disease is highly treatable and can be cured by a vaccine. 

Symptoms

The major symptom of mumps is swelling of the salivary glands causing swelling of cheeks. Other symptoms like headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, body aches, difficulty chewing, dry mouth, and fever. High fever, swelling and pain happen eventually and spread over the days. 

Care and treatment   

Mumps is a viral infection and is not treatable by antibiotics. There is no specific medication for mumps, generally, pain relievers and anti-inflammation drugs are given to reduce symptoms. The infections generally go away within a week or two. The following measures can be taken to treat the symptoms: 

  • Take ample rest and lie down when feeling tired or sick
  • Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Avoid acidic and spicy food 
  • Eat soft foods which require less chewing 
  • If needed, take over-the-counter pain medicines. 

 

Mumps is not a dangerous disease but if left unchecked, it can spread easily and can cause complications like deafness, inflammation and swelling of brain muscles, and swelling of testicles and ovaries. 

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