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Surge In Mumps Cases In Delhi NCR: Here Are The Symptoms And Know How To Stay Safe

India: Surge in mumps cases in Delhi NCR: Here are the symptoms and know how to stay safe. Get insights about the surge in mumps cases in Delhi NCR, symptoms, and how to stay safe in India.

Written by Ankit KumarUpdated : April 25, 2024 6:02 PM IST

Mumps cases are witnessing a steep rise. In several states like Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala, experts have reported increasing cases of the virus in the past few months. Mumps is a viral illness that mostly affects kids. It mostly has flu-like symptoms and sometimes patients can be asymptomatic as well.

According to the government's data a total of 15, 637 cases were reported as of March 2024. The concentration zone of mumps currently includes Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Delhi NCR. Dr Ravi Prakash Mathur, Director of Public Health, has instructed all district Chief Medical and Health Officers in Rajasthan to take necessary precautions.

What Is Mumps?

Mumps are a viral infection that is highly contagious and primarily targets salivary glands, especially parotid glands that are situated just below the ears. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets that are emitted during coughing or sneezing of an infected person. The complication can be understood as inflammation in the testicles and ovaries, meningitis, and even deafness.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of mumps last for around 16-18 days after you are infected with the virus. The incubation period of the virus ranges from 12- 25 days. The initial symptoms of mumps are headache, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Another symptom can be swelling in the face due to swelling in the parotid gland near the jawline. However there are some cases where no symptoms occur and complicated diagnosis.

Transmission and Contagiousness

As mentioned earlier, mumps spread through the droplets of an infected person's cough or sneeze. Close contact with an infected person can promote transmission. The worse picture is the virus which comes out from a droplet of infected people that can stay contagious for up to 7 hours on the surface of your hand or clothes. The individuals can spread before they even recognize the infection.

Preventive Measures

Vaccination plays an important part when it comes to containing any infections, viruses or any disease. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene like regular hand washing with soap and water, avoiding contact with infected people, and covering the mouth with a mask can prevent transmission. The initial identification of symptoms and isolation also plays a crucial role in containing virus or infection from transmission.

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Mumps Outbreak In Delhi: What Precautions Should You Take? Your FAQs Answered

"We have been seeing an increase in cases of mumps in Delhi, especially in children and young adults," Dr Tarun Sahani, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, tells FIT.

According to data from the Centre's Health Ministry, at least 15,637 cases of mumps have been reported in the country from January-March 2024.

Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu – apart from Delhi NCR – are also seeing a drastic rise in cases of mumps, media reports state.

FIT answers all your mumps-related FAQs.

Mumps Outbreak Sweeps Across Delhi-NCR: 7 Essential Prevention Strategies

In recent months, India has been grappling with a significant increase in mumps cases, with outbreaks reported in various states, including Delhi-NCR. Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, causing swelling and discomfort. As the outbreak spreads, it's crucial to understand the virus and take necessary precautions to prevent its transmission.

Understanding Mumps

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which is spread through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. The virus can also spread through direct contact with infected saliva or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 25 days after exposure and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and swelling of the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands located in front of the ears.

Prevention Tips for Mumps

Here are some prevention tips to help curb the spread of mumps:

1. Vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent mumps. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides protection against mumps and is routinely administered to children as part of their immunisation schedule. Adults who have not been vaccinated or who are unsure of their vaccination status should consider getting vaccinated, especially if they are at high risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers or college students.

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2. Practise Good Hygiene

Practising good hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of mumps. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or food with others, and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces regularly to reduce the risk of contamination.

3. Cover Your Mouth and Nose

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets. Dispose of used tissues properly and wash your hands immediately afterward to avoid spreading the virus to others.

4. Avoid Close Contact

Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick with mumps or who have symptoms of respiratory illness. Stay home if you are feeling unwell to prevent the spread of the virus to others. If you have been diagnosed with mumps, follow your healthcare provider's instructions and avoid close contact with others until you are no longer contagious.

5. Boost Your Immune System

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of contracting mumps. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Get regular exercise, stay hydrated, and prioritise adequate sleep to keep your immune system strong and resilient.

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6. Be Aware of Travel Advisories

Stay informed about mumps outbreaks in your area and any travel advisories issued by health authorities. If you are planning to travel to an area experiencing a mumps outbreak, take extra precautions to protect yourself and your family

7. Seek Medical Attention

If you or someone in your family develops symptoms of mumps, seek medical attention promptly. While mumps is usually a mild illness, complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) can occur, especially in adults.

Bottomline

As the mumps outbreak spreads across Indian states, it's crucial to take proactive measures to prevent its transmission. By following these prevention tips and staying vigilant, we can reduce the spread of mumps and protect our communities from this contagious virus. If you have any concerns about mumps or vaccination, consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.

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