Medical Crisis In Kerala-India As Pediatric Mumps Infections Crosses More Than 10,000 Cases In Last 68 Days!

Medical News: Kerala, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and robust healthcare system, is currently grappling with a severe medical crisis as pediatric mumps infections surge to over 10,000 cases in just 68 days. This alarming uptick in cases has raised significant concerns among health experts, shedding light on the need for a comprehensive vaccination strategy overhaul in the state. This Medical News report delves into the underlying causes, implications, and urgent measures required to combat the escalating mumps outbreak in Kerala.


Medical Crisis In Kerala-India As Pediatric Mumps Infections Crosses
More Than 10,000 Cases In Last 68 Days!

Understanding the Current Situation
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics has disclosed a troubling statistic: one in 20 children attending outpatient clinics in Kerala is now afflicted with mumps. Districts like Malappuram and its surrounding areas are reporting the highest number of cases, painting a grim picture of the outbreak's severity.
 
Kerala’s health department data reveals a concerning trend, with the average daily count of affected children skyrocketing from 50 in January to an alarming 300 in March.
 
While the majority of mumps infections are basically children, a growing number of adults also developing mumps is surfacing in the last two weeks.
 
Health officials have initiated stringent measures to monitor disease prevalence, including the collection of random samples for PCR testing. Children seeking treatment typically present with mild fever, headaches, and distinctive symptoms of puffy cheeks and swollen jaws. While the recent mumps virus variant has been relatively mild, concerns loom large over the absence of immunity in the population, fueling the outbreak's rapid spread.
 
Pediatricians have observed that the virus responsible for the recent surge in mumps cases has exhibited a milder nature. Dr Johnny Sebastian, the former state secretary of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, notes, "The strain of the virus we've encountered appears to be less severe. Instances of complications are significantly reduced, with recovery typically occurring within nine days of symptom onset."
 
Local health experts attribute outbreak to absence of immunity in children.
 
Examining the Vaccination Dilemma
A critical factor contributing to the mumps outbreak in Kerala is the absence of the mumps vaccine in the national vaccination schedule. While the government's vaccination program achieves a commendable 95% coverage of essential vaccines, the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine remains conspicuously absent. Private hospitals recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine, yet its exclusion from the national schedule raises questions about accessibility and equitable distribution.
 
Dr Sheeja Sugunan, a prominent pediatric intensivist, sheds light on the challenges surrounding the MMR vaccine's inclusion. Despi te its efficacy, hovering around 70%, cost considerations and the persistence of mumps cases among vaccinated individuals deter policymakers from integrating it into the routine immunization program. However, as the outbreak intensifies, calls for reevaluating the vaccination strategy grow louder.
 
Navigating the MMR Vaccine Controversy
In 2014, Kerala took a significant step by replacing the second dose of measles vaccination with the MMR vaccine. However, the subsequent decision by the Union Health Ministry to reintroduce two doses of measles-rubella (MR) vaccine in 2017 led to the discontinuation of MMR vaccinations in public hospitals. Presently, only vaccines sanctioned by the Centre are integrated into routine immunization practices in Kerala, leaving the MMR vaccine predominantly accessible in the private healthcare sector.
 
Public health experts, including the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, advocate for revisiting the discussion on MMR vaccination. Dr R. Krishnamohan, the state secretary of IAP, emphasizes the urgency of addressing the mumps outbreak and its associated complications. As Kerala grapples with the repercussions of the outbreak, reassessing vaccination priorities emerges as a critical step in containing the spread of mumps.
 
Exploring Mumps Complications and Long-Term Risks
While the current mumps outbreak is deemed relatively mild, health experts warn of potential long-term implications. Mumps is known to cause a variety of long term medical and health issues.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3377415/
 
https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/about/complications.html
 
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mumps-in-adults
 
Already cases of acute pancreatitis and neurological complications, including encephalitis, epilepsy, and aseptic meningitis, have surfaced at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. The lack of comprehensive surveillance and epidemiological data further complicates efforts to assess the full extent of mumps-associated complications.


 Mumps
 
Dr K. K. Purushothaman, a respected pediatrics professor, underscores the urgency of addressing mumps-related complications. Despite mumps being historically perceived as a benign illness, the absence of follow-up data on long-term outcomes, such as infertility, underscores the need for a proactive approach. As Kerala confronts the ramifications of the mumps outbreak, prioritizing preventive measures becomes imperative to safeguard public health.
 
Unveiling the Implications of Mumps
Mumps, traditionally viewed as a childhood ailment characterized by fever and salivary gland swelling, has evolved into a more complex public health challenge. Recent outbreaks in Kerala have not only affected children but also manifested in older demographics, underscoring the disease's evolving nature. While mumps typically resolves without specific treatment, complications such as acute pancreatitis, orchitis, and meningitis pose significant health risks, especially in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations.
 
Preventing Mumps and Ensuring Vaccine Effectiveness
Amidst the escalating mumps crisis, vaccination remains the cornerstone of preventive efforts. The MMR vaccine, incorporated into combination vaccines like MMR and MMRV, has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing mumps incidence and severity. Despite breakthrough cases among vaccinated individuals, the vaccine's effectiveness in mitigating complications underscores its importance in public health strategies.
 
Conclusion: Urgent Call for Action
As Kerala grapples with the unprecedented pediatric mumps outbreak, urgent measures are warranted to address the crisis effectively. The absence of the mumps vaccine from the national vaccination schedule, coupled with the disease's potential long-term implications, necessitates a proactive approach to immunization. Reevaluating vaccination priorities, enhancing surveillance mechanisms, and fostering public awareness emerge as pivotal strategies in combating the mumps epidemic and safeguarding public health in Kerala.
 
For the latest Medical News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.