Malappuram: A significant outbreak of mumps has struck the southern Indian state of Kerala, with a staggering 190 cases recorded in a single day, as reported by The Indian Express. Data from the Kerala health department reveals a concerning surge, with a total of 2,505 cases reported this month alone. Over the past two months, the number has skyrocketed to a concerning 11,467 cases.Acknowledgment by health authoritiesAuthorities from the Union health ministry have acknowledged the severity of the outbreak and have notified the National Centre for Disease Control in the state, indicating a concerted effort to address the situation.Geographic concentrationThe majority of reported cases are concentrated in Malappuram district and other areas of north Kerala, according to officials quoted in The Indian Express report.Understanding mumpsMumps is a viral infection caused by the paramyxovirus, primarily transmitted through direct contact or airborne droplets from an infected individuals upper respiratory tract. Symptoms typically manifest within two to four weeks, initially presenting as mild fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue.The defining characteristic of mumps is the swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located in the cheek and jaw area. Although commonly affecting children, adolescents and adults are also susceptible to the infection.Vaccination statusWhile a vaccine against mumps, measles, and rubella exists, it is not currently included in the governments universal immunisation programme. However, children can receive the MMR vaccine against all three diseases at private centres, as recommended by public health experts.Symptoms, manifestationsMumps typically manifests with pain, tenderness, and swelling in one or both parotid salivary glands. The swelling peaks within one to three days and gradually subsides over the following week. In some cases, the swelling may obscure the jawbones angle beneath the ear.Before the onset of parotitis, individuals may experience nonspecific prodromal symptoms such as mild fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite, discomfort, and headaches.Recurrence, complicationsMumps patients may experience reinfection or recurrent parotitis, wherein the swelling resolves on one side but reoccurs weeks to months later on the opposite side.
