Mumps cases on the rise in State

Health officials in Andhra Pradesh are urging residents to be vigilant as mumps cases have shown an increase in the recent past. Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands, located on either side of the face near the ears. It’s caused by the mumps virus, spreading through infected saliva, coughing, sneezing, or even sharing personal items with the infected person.
Dr VVK Sandeep, Consultant, ENT Head & Neck and Cochlear Implant Surgeon, Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada said that Mumps is a preventable disease that can cause fever, fatigue, and swelling of the parotid glands. While typically it causes a mild illness for most children, mumps can lead to serious complications in adults as well if persists longer with more severe symptoms.
Dr Sandeep said that the vaccination is highly effective in protecting individuals from mumps. However, incomplete vaccination coverage can contribute to outbreaks, as currently observed in Andhra Pradesh. He said that the incubation period for mumps ranges from 16-to 20 days, but symptoms can appear anytime between these time frames after the exposure.
He said that the most effective way to prevent mumps is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent mumps. It’s recommended that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years. Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status should consult a healthcare provider about receiving the vaccine.