Kerala is facing an outbreak of mumps, with over 10,000 children affected in less than 70 days.
About Mumps:
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to a group of viruses known as paramyxoviruses.
The illness starts with mild symptoms such as headache, fever, and fatigue. But then it typically leads to severe swelling in certain salivary glands (parotitis) that causes puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.
Transmission: Humansare the only known host for the mumps virus, which is spread via direct contact or by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract of infected individuals.
Who does mumps affect?
Mumps most commonly affects children between the ages of 2 to 12 who haven’t received the mumps vaccine.
However, adolescents and adults can get mumps despite being vaccinated against it. This occurs because there’s waning immunity to the vaccine after several years.
Incubation Period: The average incubation period for mumps is 16 to 18 days, with a range of 12 to 25 days.
Symptoms: Many children have no or very mild symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of mumps that may be seen in both adults and children:
Discomfort in the salivary glands (in the front of the neck) or the parotid glands (immediately in front of the ears). Either of these glands may become swollen and tender.
Difficulty chewing
Pain and tenderness of the testicles
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for mumps. The various symptoms may be relieved with medicines.
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