74,300 children in Kerala got mumps in 14 months
Kerala purchased the vaccine independently, but it was discontinued later.
Kerala purchased the vaccine independently, but it was discontinued later.
Kerala purchased the vaccine independently, but it was discontinued later.
Due to the shortage of MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), 74,300 children in Kerala got mumps, the viral infection that affects salivary glands, according to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project. As per reports, a school in Wayanad had to be closed for 29 days due to the spread of infection. Similarly, eight Alappuzha schools were closed for 21 days for the same reason. The infection was also reported in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Malaplpuram, where various schools were closed. The vaccine is to be allotted by the central government, which hasn't been distributing it enough since 2017. The centre only gives the MR vaccine for measles and Rubella. Kerala was purchasing the vaccine on its own for a while, but it was discontinued later. The Kerala government has apparently reported to the centre requesting the vaccine.
What is mumps?
The Cleveland Clinic defines mumps as a contagious disease that leads to severe swelling in certain salivary glands, causing puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. Though it is usually a mild disease, it can also cause serious complications at times. It generally affects children between the ages of two and 12. At times, adolescents and adults can also get mumps, even if they are vaccinated against it. This is generally due to the vaccine's waning immunity after many years. The incubation period of the disease is 16 to 18 days.
Symptoms of mumps
1) Loss of appetite
2) Fever
3) Fatigue
4) Headache
5) Muscle aches
6) Stiff neck
7) Confusion
8) Stomach pain
9) Vomiting
How does it spread?
The mumps virus spreads through direct contact with infected saliva or through respiratory droplets from an infected person's mouth, nose or throat. It transmits by talking, coughing, sneezing, when you share objects infected by the virus.
How is it treated?
It has no specific treatment but focuses on alleviating the symptoms. Here are a few steps to manage it:
1) Gargle warm water mixed with salt
2) Eat easy-to-chew foods
3) Drink lots of fluids
4) Avoid acidic foods
5) Take non-aspirin medicines as adviced by your doctor
6) Place ice or heat packs on the swelling
7) Eat ice pops to soothe a sore throat