New Delhi, 14 December 2024: Kerala is facing a concerning rise in mumps cases, with over 2,870 people diagnosed in December 2024 alone. A majority of the cases involve school and college students, prompting health officials to issue warnings about the disease’s spread and initiate containment efforts.
Mumps: A Growing Concern in Kerala
Mumps, a viral disease characterized by fever, swollen salivary glands, and body aches, is highly contagious. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals. The rise in cases across Kerala has been linked to close contact in educational institutions, where the virus spreads rapidly due to shared spaces and activities.
The state’s health authorities reported clusters of cases in schools and colleges, particularly in densely populated districts. Some schools have temporarily shifted to online classes to curb the spread. Localized vaccination drives are also being organized in affected regions.
Symptoms and Risks of Mumps
Mumps generally starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by swelling of the salivary glands near the jawline. While the disease is often mild in children, it can lead to complications in adults, including meningitis, encephalitis, or hearing loss. The Kerala Health Department has urged parents to monitor children closely for early symptoms and seek medical attention promptly.
Response from Health Authorities
The state government has launched an awareness campaign to educate the public about mumps prevention, including maintaining hygiene, isolating infected individuals, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date. Vaccination remains the most effective measure to prevent mumps, with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine offering significant protection.
Health officials have also advised schools to reinforce hygiene practices, such as handwashing and disinfecting common areas, to limit the virus’s spread.
Public health experts emphasize the importance of community vigilance in addressing the outbreak. The Health Department is monitoring the situation closely and has set up helplines for people seeking advice or reporting symptoms. Public cooperation, especially in adhering to vaccination schedules and reporting suspected cases, is crucial to controlling the outbreak.
Mumps Outbreak In Kerala: What Is Govt. Doing?
As cases continue to rise in Kerala, particularly among students, health authorities are ramping up efforts to curb the outbreak. Preventive measures, such as vaccination, hygiene, and public awareness, are essential in mitigating the virus’s spread. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their health and the health of their communities.
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