From North to South, many states of the country are troubled by the rapidly increasing serious infectious diseases these days. According to media reports, cases of infectious disease caused by mumps virus are being seen rapidly in many states including Tamil Nadu-Kerala to Rajasthan, Delhi-Uttar Pradesh. This infectious disease, caused by a group of viruses called paramyxovirus, can cause severe and painful swelling of the parotid glands. Health experts have also advised people to be cautious regarding the serious side effects of this infectious disease.
According to recent reports, cases of mumps virus have been seen suddenly increasing in many parts of Rajasthan. There is also news of serious side effects of this disease in Jaipur, where six people who were infected with the infection have developed deafness. Although the maximum impact of this viral infection has been seen on children, it can also make adults its victims.
Doctors have issued alerts in many cities and appealed to take precautions to prevent this infectious disease.
Also, read- Alert regarding increasing cases of chickenpox measles in southern states
Cases increased in Tamil Nadu-Kerala
Mumps cases started increasing rapidly in the southern state of Kerala in February-March. According to the reports till March, more than 11 thousand cases were registered in the state in a few months. Similarly, till the end of March in Tamil Nadu, infection has been confirmed in 461 people as compared to the same period last year. An increase in cases of mumps as well as measles and chickenpox has also been reported in many parts of Tamil Nadu.
Doctors say, whereas earlier only one or two cases were seen in three-four months and 10-15 cases in a year, now 40-50 cases are being reported every month. It has been spreading more among children, although adults are also found to be its victims.
These infectious diseases are seen more in children
Talking to Amar Ujala, Dr. Shrey Srivastava of Noida-based Intensive Care says, Mumps most affects children aged between 2 to 12 years, who have not received its vaccine. However, teenagers and adults can also get infected. This is because the immunity of the vaccine decreases after a few years. However, the best way to prevent mumps infection is vaccination, which helps reduce the risk of serious problems in case of infection.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
The initial symptoms of mumps are often mild, says Dr. Many people do not have any symptoms and do not even know that they are infected. However, as the infection increases, the risk of disease increases. In the beginning, there may be problems like fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, loss of appetite along swelling in the throat.
The patient's parotid glands may be swollen. Your parotid glands are salivary glands located between your ears and jaw. Due to this, the patient's cheeks and jaw swell. Most of the people suffering from this disease recover completely within two weeks. However, there may be a risk of it taking a serious form in some people. In some people, there may be a risk of deafness due to this, although in most people the ability to hear also comes back.
How to prevent mumps?
Dr. Shrey explains that mumps is a very contagious viral infection. The virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with an infected person's saliva or through respiratory droplets from an infected person's nose, mouth, or throat. Measles-mumps and Rubella (MMR vaccine) is considered effective for the prevention of mumps, which can protect against the risk of infection and serious disease.
To avoid the risk of viral infection, avoid close contact with an infected person and if you are showing symptoms, contact a doctor in time.
(PC: ISTOCK)
