Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 13, 2024 1 month, 13 hours, 4 minutes ago
Medical News:
Mumps Outbreak Among School Students Sparks Concern
Kerala is currently grappling with a sudden spike in mumps cases, particularly among school-aged children. In Thiruvananthapuram alone, over fifty new cases are being reported daily, sending alarm bells ringing in the health sector. The highly contagious viral disease, which traditionally impacts younger children, is now spreading to adults as well, raising concerns about the emergence of a new and possibly more severe strain of the virus.
New Strain of Mumps Virus Wreaking Havoc in Kerala?
Thiruvananthapuram schools are turning into hotspots for the outbreak, with health officials struggling to contain the situation. Notably, two doctors from the city’s General Hospital contracted the virus while treating patients in the outpatient department (OP), further highlighting the contagious nature of the disease. These doctors have been on medical leave for over ten days due to the severity of their symptoms.
Is a New Variant Linked to Climate Change?
Experts suspect that a new variant of the mumps virus might be behind the current outbreak. Local experts told
Medical News journalists that there is a potential connection between this rising health threat and climate change, which is believed to influence the mutation and spread of various pathogens. Typically, mumps primarily affects children under ten years old, but the ongoing outbreak shows an alarming trend of affecting adults as well.
Mumps is caused by a virus that targets the salivary glands, leading to painful swelling around the ears, fever, headache, and loss of appetite. While the disease is often self-limiting, delayed treatment can result in severe complications such as hearing loss, brain inflammation, and even infertility in adults. Kerala health authorities are urging timely medical intervention and strict adherence to preventive measures to mitigate the risks.
Adding to the challenges is a noticeable gap in vaccination coverage. The last round of widespread mumps vaccination campaigns in the state occurred over eight years ago, leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable to infection. The resurgence underscores the need to reinstate and enhance immunization efforts.
District Medical Officer Issues Warning in Malappuram
Malappuram district in Kerala is also witnessing a surge in mumps cases, prompting District Medical Officer Dr. R. Renuka to issue a public health advisory. The district reported an alarming 13,643 cases in 2024 alone. According to Dr. Renuka, the mumps virus spreads easily through airborne droplets, close contact, and sharing of food or drinks. The symptoms typically include fever, swollen and tender salivary glands, sore throat, headache, and fatigue.
Dr. Renuka emphasized that infected individuals can transmit the virus even before developing visible symptoms, as well as up to six days after their salivary glands become swollen. This extended period of contagion poses a significant challenge in containing the outbreak. While the disease
predominantly affects children aged 5 to 15, it can lead to serious complications in adults, such as meningitis, encephalitis, orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), and pancreatitis.
Preventive Measures and Treatment Recommendations
Dr. Renuka advised infected individuals to isolate themselves at home until fully recovered to prevent further transmission. She also urged the general public to avoid close contact with patients and to follow good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding the sharing of utensils or personal items. While most cases resolve within a week or two, untreated mumps can escalate into life-threatening conditions, necessitating prompt medical care.
Public health officials are also stressing the importance of vaccination as the primary tool to combat mumps. Parents are encouraged to ensure their children’s immunizations are up to date, while health authorities consider reintroducing large-scale vaccination drives to curb the spread.
A Call for Vigilance
The sudden surge in mumps cases in Kerala, coupled with the possibility of a new viral strain, highlights the urgent need for coordinated public health responses. Enhanced surveillance, community awareness, and robust vaccination programs are critical to controlling the outbreak. Health experts continue to investigate the role of environmental factors, such as climate change, in accelerating the spread of this disease.
Media References:
https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/new-variant-mumps-outbreak-among-school-students-in-kerala-1.10160944
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/dmo-warns-against-mumps-outbreak-in-malappuram/article68974305.ece
For the latest on the Mumps Outbreak in Kerala, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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