Various Parts Of India Facing A Mumps Outbreak With Delhi Alone Reporting 15,000 Cases For The First Three Months Of 2024
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 02, 2024 6 months, 1 week, 4 days, 18 hours, 30 minutes ago
Medical News: Various parts of India including Delhi has been facing a rising surge in mumps infections that started since the beginning of 2024 but seems to be increasing as months go by.
Various Parts Of India Facing A Mumps Outbreak With Delhi Alone
Reporting 15,000 Cases For The First Three Months Of 2024.
With caseloads increasing in the last 7 days, sparking concerns among health officials and the general public and numerous local
Medical News coverages raising attention to the health issue, federal and state officials started to react to the situation.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/mumps-cases-spike-from-almost-zero-to-5-6-a-week-low-vaccination-due-to-covid-a-factor-9300053/
https://www.indiatvnews.com/health/mums-outbreak-in-delhi-ncr-know-causes-symptoms-and-preventive-measures-2024-05-02-929162
https://www.financialexpress.com/healthcare/news-healthcare/mumps-outbreak-cases-rise-across-indiacauses-symptoms-and-treatment-you-must-know/3473645/
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mumps-outbreak-in-delhi-other-states-what-doctors-say-5548323
https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/mumps-cases-spike-in-delhi-and-ncr-signs-and-symptoms-causes-and-ways-to-keep-your-children-safe-from-this-viral-disease-427878-2024-05-02
It was reported that Delhi alone had over 15,000 cases of mumps in the first quarter of 2024.
Mumps Outbreak in Delhi NCR: Causes and Impact
The mumps outbreak in Delhi NCR has garnered attention due to its rapid spread and significant impact on public health. The highly contagious nature of the mumps virus, which primarily affects the parotid glands, poses challenges in containment efforts. According to data from the Health Ministry, the number of mumps cases has surged in Delhi NCR, with a notable increase also observed in pediatric cases across states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
What is also interesting is that the mumps infections are not only being seen in children but also in adults across all age groups.
Understanding Mumps: Symptoms a
nd Complications
Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the Rubulavirus family. The infection is characterized by swollen and painful parotid glands, located near the ears and jawline. Dr Jatin Ahuja, an Infectious Diseases specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, emphasizes the diverse manifestations of mumps, including testicular pain, jaw discomfort, pancreatitis, and in rare cases, seizures. Common symptoms include earache, body ache, headache, facial swelling, fever, weakness, and loss of appetite, typically appearing two weeks post-infection.
Preventive Measures for Mumps: Vaccination and Hygiene
Vaccination remains a crucial preventive measure against mumps, with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine offering substantial protection. Children usually receive two doses of the MMR vaccine as part of the childhood immunization schedule. However, concerns arise regarding the vaccine's waning effectiveness over time, necessitating booster doses for adults, especially those in their 40s and 50s. In addition to vaccination, promoting hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals play vital roles in curbing mumps transmission.
Insights from Healthcare Professionals: Mumps Outbreak in Delhi and Beyond Healthcare professionals highlight the growing mumps cases in Delhi, particularly among children and young adults. Dr Kiran Aggarwal, a pediatrician and former president of the Delhi-based Indian Academy of Pediatrics, notes the prolonged duration of mumps prevalence compared to previous years, labeling it as an outbreak requiring attention. While mumps typically resolves within a few days, its highly infectious nature necessitates caution and prompt medical attention.
National Scenario: Rising Mumps Cases and Vaccination Challenges
The mumps outbreak extends beyond Delhi, with states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, and Maharashtra witnessing increased pediatric mumps cases.
In fact, a report showed that the state of Kerala had the greatest number of mumps infections in the first three months of 2024 with more than 18,000 cases and the figure has still been rising since.
https://reliefweb.int/report/india/who-south-east-asia-region-epidemiological-bulletin-7th-edition-2024-3-april-2024-reporting-period-18-31-march
Bangalore (Bengaluru), the capital of Karnataka is another geolocation where mumps infections are also rising at worrisome levels.
Dr Nidhin Mohan from Narayana Health City highlights Bangalore's rising mumps cases and emphasizes the importance of vaccination, hand hygiene, and respiratory precautions. However, challenges persist in integrating mumps vaccination into the national schedule due to cost considerations and lack of comprehensive data.
Treatment and Management of Mumps
There is no specific treatment for mumps, as the disease typically resolves on its own within a couple of weeks. However, managing symptoms through adequate fluid intake, soft foods, ice packs for swollen glands, and non-aspirin medications helps alleviate discomfort. It is crucial to avoid giving aspirin to children with mumps due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Conclusion: Addressing the Mumps Outbreak
Holistically In conclusion, the mumps outbreak in India underscores the importance of proactive vaccination, hygiene practices, and early medical intervention. Collaborative efforts between healthcare authorities, communities, and individuals are essential in containing mumps transmission, safeguarding public health, and mitigating the impact of viral outbreaks in the future.
As the mumps outbreak continues to affect communities across India, raising awareness about preventive measures, advocating for vaccination, and ensuring timely medical care are paramount. By prioritizing public health initiatives and fostering a collective approach, we can effectively combat the mumps outbreak and protect the well-being of individuals and communities nationwide.
For more updates on the rising Mumps cases in India, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
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