Attention: There is a shocking case of Mumps outbreak from every corner of the nation and its gripping children the most! Everything was right and rosy for two months! But, the nation is shook with sudden cases of Mumps Outbreak. Worried doctors have reported, there’re 5-6 Mumps Cases coming every week to the hospitals which was almost zero earlier.
We asked experts about the reason for the sudden Mumps outbreak and they blame the lower rate of Covid vaccination for this outbreak. Those who were not vaccinated during the Covid Pandemic, are among the most affected.
Knowing what is mumps, its symptoms, prevention and ways of treatment will help you protect your loved ones against the painful viral infection.
What Is Mumps?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection, which spreads very easily. At a point in time, it used to occur commonly among children during childhood, but ever since vaccination became a routine activity, it decreased substantially.
paramyxovirus virus causes Mumps infection, which is a member of the Rubulavirus family. When this Mumps infection spreads, it directly hits the parotid gland, which is responsible for producing saliva on each side of the face.
And do you know how Mumps spreads? Mumps can easily spread from one person to another via infected nasal secretions, saliva, or direct physical contact.
Mumps Causes: Common Reason of Mumps Outbreak
These are the most common causes of Mumps outbreak:
- When you have mumps, the virus is present in the saliva. So, when the infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus will come out in the form of small droplets and spread into the air.
- Second cause of Mumps is touching the infected surface where the virus is present. Imagine touching the table, the water tap, the book, the clothes etc where the infected individual has sneezed, or coughed. The virus will transfer easily onto you, infecting you with Mumps.
- Most common one of Mumps causes is sharing water bottles. This is why Mumps outbreaks happen easily at schools, where children share their things and the virus spreads easily.
- If you did not get your child vaccinated against Mumps during childhood, there is a high chance of him/her getting infected with the viral disease.
Mumps Symptoms
As per a team of experts at Command Hospital, Lt Col Amen Dhillon explained that Mumps symptoms can take about two to three weeks to surface after the virus has entered the body.
“The symptoms may differ in each individual as per his/her age and immune system. Some may show very mild symptoms and less pain, whereas in some cases, no or very mild symptoms can be seen.”
If you notice of the following Mumps symptoms, contact doctor immediately:
- Headache;
- Fever;
- Body Ache or muscle pain;
- Loss of appetite;
- Fatigue
Swelling on the face typically starts in a few days post the infection. It may look like-
- Both sides of the face are swollen;
- Pain in the swelling;
- Glands below the mouth are swollen ( in extreme cases)
Mumps Outbreak Prevention : How To Prevent Mumps
Doctor Rishabh Mishra, senior resident at a govt hospital in Chandigarh, says, “ The MMR ( Measles-Mumps-Rubella) Vaccine is given to children in two doses to prevent them from getting Mumps. The 1st dose is given when the child is 12-15 months old and the second dose, when the child is 4-6 years old.”
If you’re fully vaccinated, which means you have received both the doses of MMR vaccine, you’re most likely prevented from Mumps. With timely vaccination, Mumps outbreak can be prevented. But, if you never received any vaccination against MMR, you’re highly likely to catch the infection.
So, getting fully vaccinated is the best way of Mumps prevention. Here’re some more ways in which you can prevent Mumps infection:
- Maintain high levels of cleanliness;
- Wear a mask in public spaces, at all times;
- Avoid visiting crowded places;
- Do not shake hands, or touch;
- Wash hands and face thoroughly after coming from outside;
- Do not share any used material of the infected person;
- Do not share food or water with the infected person;
Mumps Treatment: What To Do If You Are A Victim Of Mumps Outbreak
When infected with Mumps, here are some ways of Mumps Treatment:
- If possible, quarantine yourself for 3-4 days;
- Drink Lukewarm water and other liquids like soups etc;
- Avoid touching your face and nose frequently;
- Avoid consuming sour foods like buttermilk, curd etc;
- Do gargles with warm saline water;
- If the fever is high and persists, contact the doctor immediately. Avoid self-medication.
Can Mumps Affect Adults?
Yes, Mumps is a viral infection which can infect anyone. So, adults also need to be cautious against the spread of Mumps infection and follow the advisory given to brace against Mumps Outbreak.
What To Eat When You Have Mumps
As per doctors, a healthy immune system can beat infections like Mumps and protect you from catching the infection. Here is the Mumps prevention diet that can really help:
- Consume Vitamin C enriched foods;
- Include antioxidants, phytochemicals and flavonoids in your diet ;
- Increase your calcium intake;
- Eat high protein diet and include green leafy vegetables;
- Drink at least 7-8 glasses of water per day;
- Do not smoke or drink;
- Stay active. Do physical activities like walking, jogging, regularly;
Final Words
Mumps is a benign viral infection which generally resolves itself if the right precautions and treatments are taken. In most of the cases, there are no complications but you must use the above mentioned ways to treat Mumps to manage it painlessly. If your child is aged from 12 months- 6 years, ensure that they’re fully vaccinated.
