Kerala Witnessing Mumps Outbreak || What Are Its Symptoms?
With at least 190 cases reported in a single day on Sunday, March 10, Kerala is suffering from a mumps outbreak. According to the data from the state health department, Kerala has registered 2,505 cases of Mumps this month. In the past 2 months, there have been approximately 11,467 cases, most of which were reported from one of the most vaccine-shy districts, Malappuram district.
Indian Express reported that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officials confirmed the outbreak, and the National Centre for Disease Control in Kerala has been alerted.
Understanding Mumps
Mumps is a disease caused by the paramyxovirus. It primarily affects the salivary glands, causing pain and swelling. It spreads by contact with an infected person or airborne droplets from an infected person’s upper respiratory tract.
What Are Its Symptoms?
One of the major concerns about the disease is that its symptoms may take two to four weeks to manifest in the infected person. One major indication is an enlargement of the salivary glands.
Other Symptoms
- High fever.
- Mild to severe headache.
- Body ache
- Muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
Also Read: Skipping Child Vaccination: Risk Factors and Parental Responsibility
Treatment Of Mumps
Currently, no specific medications exist for Mumps; in most cases, the infection is cured naturally. There are a few basic treatments that you can do if you are suffering from Mumps:
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Include non-acidic, easy-to-chew foods in the meal.
Also, some vaccines against mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) can be given to children to prevent the disease.