Kerala has witnessed over 10,000 mumps cases this year. With around 190 cases reported in a day across the state, the health department has ramped up its vigil. If not careful, it could affect the brain and fertility.
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that affects the salivary glands. Mumps are easily spread by airborne droplets. It affects both young children and adults. Earlier it used to be common among children before the advent of the MMR vaccination.
Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, throat irritation and swelling of salivary glands (usually visible on the side cheeks).
1. One in 1,000 affected is likely to develop encephalitis or brain inflammation, which may leave permanent or serious damage to the brain over time.
2. It can also cause testicular inflammation known as Orchitis. Orchitis affects 20-30 % of young males and among them, 30% will be bilateral i.e. it may lead to infertility.
The vaccination percentage for mumps has come down in Kerala. Earlier, the MMR vaccine was given under the government vaccination programme. But now it is only MR (Measles and Rubella) vaccination causing a dip in the prevention efforts.