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Fact Check: No Need To Panic! Mumps Infection Is All Under Control; Here Are Dos And Don'ts
Hyderabad: A video showing a man discussing the severity of the mumps virus is widely being circulated on social media. According to media reports, cases of infectious disease caused by the mumps virus are being seen rapidly in many states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
In the viral video, the man could be seen claiming that the mumps virus causes permanent deafness and is fatal.
NewsMeter found the claim to be misleading.
What is the mumps virus?
Dr. S Vijay, M.D, Sr. Consultant Physician, Care Hospitals & Professor & HoD, Dept. Of Internal Medicine, explained the Mumps virus as, a viral infection of the Salivary (Parotid ) gland, present on both sides of our cheeks. It's a common and contagious viral infection. It spreads from person to person by contact with an infected individual. It is usually a self-limiting disease that doesn't require any big treatment. Patients may have a fever, headache, body pains, and classically swelling and pain on the cheeks just below and in front of our ears. It usually lasts for a week or two. The treatment includes rest, plenty of fluids, and simple fever and pain medications. Rarely it might complicate and spread to the testis, Lungs, Heart Brain, and other organs.
"Mumps virus is very common Mumps is usually most contagious in the first three to five days. It spreads through oral secretion," says Dr Priyajeet Panigrahi, ENT Specialist
What are the preventive measures against the Mumps virus?
Mumps are highly contagious. If you are the one diagnosed with mumps:
In the reverse case scenario, if you get in contact with someone with mumps:
The Mask will act as a protective shield to your respiratory system with high filtration efficiency to airborne particles.
Moreover, the Cleveland Clinic mentions that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. The MMR vaccine prevents mumps in up to 90% of people with no to mild side effects.
Does it cause permanent deafness?
Rarely, says Dr. S. Vijay Mohan.
According to a study, mumps cause unilateral acquired sensorineural deafness in children, which means it may cause hair loss in one of the ears. Mumps deafness is usually sudden in occurrence. It is quite rare to have permanent complications due to the mumps virus.
Myth vs Treatment
According to Hopkins Medicine, the treatment for mumps virus is limited to medicine for pain and plenty of fluids. A good amount of rest is also advised in the first few days.
Once mumps are diagnosed, the doctors concentrate on making you comfortable with the symptoms and not the virus itself. There is no specific treatment for mumps.
Rather, following these steps might help you soothe the symptoms and let the disease take its course.
It should be noted that aspirin must not be given to children.
Is the Mumps virus fatal?
It's a rare occurrence, says Dr.Vijay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mumps can be serious but most people with mumps recover completely within 2 weeks. In some cases, the disease might cause complications such as permanent deafness in children and swelling in the brain which in rare cases causes death.
When affected with mumps, one might feel feverish, fatigue, and swollen salivary glands. Whereas others may develop some serious complications. In males, swelling in the testicles can be observed. Similarly, in women, there might be severe pain in the ovaries. Mumps virus may lead to a temporary hearing loss and in rare cases, it could be permanent. Which means chances are very low but not zero.
Mumps can be fatal only if there is severe inflammation of the brain.
Mumps Outbreak Spreads Across Indian States, Including Delhi-NCR
A surge in mumps cases has been observed across multiple Indian states in the recent months with Delhi-NCR now reporting a significant number of incidences of the viral infection. The resurgence of mumps, characterized by acute flu-like symptoms and salivary gland inflammation, has raised concerns amongst the healthcare professionals.
Mumps, caused by a viral infection, primarily affects children and young adults, manifesting as fatigue, muscle pain, loss of appetite, headache, fever, and painful swelling in the salivary glands. While the disease typically resolves within a week without major complications, some individuals may experience prolonged discomfort, including testicle inflammation and other sequelae.
According to government data, the cumulative count for cases regarding mumps had reached 15,637 by March 2024, reflecting a notable increase in the infections, particularly from states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
The resurgence of mumps can be attributed to various factors, including reduced vaccine coverage, reduced immunity over time, increased social contact among children in schools, and also environmental factors like poor hygiene practices and inadequate sanitation.
Despite the availability of a vaccine, mumps has not been included into India's universal immunization programme (UIP) because of its comparatively low mortality rate. The emphasis of the national immunization strategy remains on diseases like measles, which pose greater infectious and severe health risks.
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Dr. RD Srivastava, head of the department of paediatric medicine and neonatology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in New Delhi, noted a rise in mumps cases in the capital city, albeit not at hotspot levels seen in other states. Similar observations were echoed by Dr. Neha Rastogi Panda, a consultant for infectious diseases at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, who highlighted the potential for community outbreaks and increased complications.
Routine immunization and adherence to preventive measures, such as proper hygiene, masking, and maintaining distance, are critical in preventing the spread of mumps. Individuals experiencing symptoms of mumps are advised to seek timely medical advice and practice appropriate isolation measures in order to prevent further transmission.
Further, in addition to the young adults and children, certain population groups, such as older individuals, those with compromised immunity, and pregnant women, are at a rather increased risk of acquiring mumps and are advised by medical professionals to exercise extra caution. Dr. Srivastava also pressed on the importance of educating the public on preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the mumps outbreak amidst evolving environmental and health challenges.
Mumps Outbreak In Kerala: Expert Shares If There Is Any Vaccine And The Symptoms
In recent times, Kerala has been grappling with a significant outbreak of mumps, a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxovirus family. This outbreak has raised concerns among healthcare authorities and the general public regarding its severity, symptoms, available vaccines, and preventive measures. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective management and control of the outbreak.
We spoke to our expert Dr Rohit Saxena, HOD, ENT - Sharda Hospital to shed light on the mumps outbreak in Kerala, its symptoms, causes, prevention and if at all there is any vaccine available for it. Here is what he shared with us.
Causes and Factors of Mumps OutbreakThe mumps virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected saliva or mucus. Factors contributing to the spread of the virus include close contact with infected individuals, crowded living or working environments, and low vaccination rates. Close quarters such as dormitories or military barracks pose a higher risk of transmission, as do crowded places where the virus can easily proliferate.
Low vaccination rates or individuals who have not received the mumps immunisation significantly contribute to outbreaks. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, commonly administered to children, includes the mumps vaccine. Vaccination not only reduces the severity of symptoms in infected individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the virus within communities.
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Poor hygiene practices, such as inadequate handwashing and sharing drinks or utensils with infected individuals, also facilitate the transmission of mumps. Therefore, promoting good hygiene habits is essential in preventing the spread of the virus.
Symptoms of Mumps OutbreakMumps typically presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located beneath the ears. Swelling of the parotid glands gives the characteristic "chipmunk cheeks" appearance, which is often associated with mumps infections.
In some cases, mumps may lead to complications such as meningitis, inflammation of the testicles or ovaries (orchitis or oophoritis), and deafness. While most individuals recover from mumps without serious complications, the potential for complications underscores the importance of early detection and appropriate medical care.
Vaccine and Prevention for Mumps OutbreakFortunately, a vaccine to prevent mumps is available and highly effective. The MMR vaccine, which includes protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, is routinely administered to children as part of their vaccination schedule in many countries, including Kerala. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for optimal protection.
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Children typically receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. In certain circumstances, such as outbreaks or regional policies, the second dose may be administered earlier to enhance immunity and prevent the spread of the virus.
In addition to vaccination, practising good hygiene habits can help prevent the transmission of mumps. This includes frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and refraining from sharing personal items such as drinks or utensils.
A Final WordThe mumps outbreak in Kerala highlights the importance of vaccination and preventive measures in controlling infectious diseases. By promoting vaccination coverage, implementing public health interventions, and educating the public about the symptoms and risks associated with mumps, healthcare authorities can mitigate the impact of outbreaks and safeguard the health of communities. It is essential for individuals to stay informed, seek medical attention if symptoms arise, and actively participate in efforts to prevent the spread of mumps.
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