Mumps Outbreak Grips Kerala: Check For Symptoms, Prevention Strategies, Transmission

Getting vaccinated is the best way for a person — adult and child — to reduce their risk of getting mumps. It is usually a part of a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

There has been an outbreak of mumps in Kerala, with the state reporting 190 cases in a single day on Sunday, March 10, 2024. According to news reports, in March alone, there have been 2,505 cases of the viral infection.

Per data from the Kerala health department, a total of 11,467 cases have been reported in a little over two months this year. Officials from the Union Health Ministry have reportedly confirmed the outbreak and alerted the National Centre for Disease Control in the state.

What Are Mumps?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. In most people, it is followed by a swelling of salivary glands (often referred to as ‘parotitis’ when the parotid gland that is located in front and below the ear swells). It causes puffiness in the face — mainly the cheeks — along with a tender, swollen jaw.

Signs And Symptoms Of Mumps

Apart from the aforementioned symptoms, the CDC states that some other symptoms that may begin a few days before parotitis include:

The symptoms usually appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12-25 days after infection. While some people have mild symptoms (like a cold) or no symptoms at all, in some rare cases, mumps can cause severe complications. The positive part is that most people with mumps recover completely within two weeks.