The district medical authorities have urged people to increase vigil against the mumps outbreak. The warning by District Medical Officer R. Renuka came on Wednesday as there was a spurt in the cases of mumps from across the district.
Dr. Renuka said that 13,643 mumps cases were reported in Malappuram in 2024. She said mumps virus spreads through the air and affects salivary glands near the ears, leading to symptoms such as fever, swollen and painful salivary glands, sore throat, headache, loss of appetite and fatigue.
An affected person can spread the virus immediately before they develop the swollen salivary glands as well as up to six days after the swollen glands. Although mumps is seen widely among children aged between five and 15 years, it affects adults too. “It can be dangerous among adults,” Dr. Renuka said.
The affected person develops mild fever and headache initially, and finds it difficult to chew and swallow, said Dr. Renuka. Mumps is a highly contagious infection that can spread through touching, sharing food and drinks. It can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing droplets that contain the virus.
Dr. Renuka said that if not treated properly, mumps could lead to complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, orchitis, oophoritis, pancreatitis, and hearing loss. Orchitis is inflammation of testicles that can lead to infertility. Oophoritis is inflammation of ovaries.
Dr. Renuka advised the affected persons to remain at home until they are cured. She also urged people to avoid contact with the infected persons. “Usually this disease is cured in a week or two. But if not treated, it can lead to life-threatening complications,” she said.
Published – December 11, 2024 09:26 pm IST