Mumps cases have been on the rise for about a year now, and the numbers have increased many folds, especially in Pune. The cases of this acute viral disease have been the most in the city hospitals.
Since the past two months, the cases have been on the rise. In April, the number was approx 2-3 on a day-to-day basis. Since May, the number has increased to 5-6. Health experts say that the disease is more common for kids under the age of eight.
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WHAT IS MUMPS?
It is a viral disease, which is contagious as well. It occurs in the parotid glands, or the salivary glands that are located just below both ears. This leads to swelling of the said area, which results in having puffy cheeks for the diagnosis, which can be disproportionate for some patients.
The typical age limit for the disease is 2-12, but there are rare chances of it happening among adolescents and adults. It can also have long-term complications for the patients.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The start of the signs is very mild and takes about 25 days to be serious for the patient.
The signs include-
- Muscle pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
Once the disease becomes serious, the symptoms change to be
- Stiff neck
- Headache and confusion
- High fever
- Vomiting
Accompanied by this is swelling of cheeks, an evident sign of mumps. If all of this is seen in an individual, one must seek help from the doctors.
CONTAGIOUS
As the disease is contagious, one must be very aware of their surroundings and the people they come in contact with. Being in contact with the patient under the following circumstances can lead to the spread of mumps.
- Talking, sneezing or coughing
- Coming in contact with anything that has the patient’s saliva
- Any other activity with close contact.
TREATMENT
Mumps does not have a fixed solution, it usually cures, and the swelling disappears in a few weeks. But to manage and take care of the symptoms one can do the following things-
- Increase fluid consumption and gargle from time to time
- Have cold soft or ice pops to make the area feel better
- Use heat packs on the swollen area
- Avoid eating very hard and difficult-to-chew foods
REASON FOR INCREASE IN MUMP CASES
There is an MMR vaccine available for the prevention of mumps. Which is to be taken in two phases, first between the age of 12-15 months and second between the age of 4-6 years.
The doctors say that this new outbreak is because the mumps vaccination is not part of the national immunization program.
Dr. Rajesh Dighe, city immunisation officer, of Pune Municipal Corporation(PMC), said, “The mumps vaccination is not given under the programme as it is not a life-threatening viral infection. However, the MMR vaccination is available in private healthcare facilities.”
The outbreak happens in a pattern, happening every 3-4 years.
The methods mentioned above and urgent attention by the doctor can help control the viral disease. Serious attention needs to be paid to the patients and people who might be affected or have a chance of being affected.
Always be on the lookout for the symptoms, take care and seek medical help if required.
