These days, cases of viral infection mumps are being reported to be increasing rapidly in the capital Delhi. According to the information being received from hospitals, a sudden increase in cases of infectious diseases has been recorded in Delhi-NCR in the last few weeks. Doctors said that children are becoming the biggest victims of this. Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection, so the risk of its spread is very high.
Mumps infection targets the parotid glands that produce saliva, causing swelling and pain on one side of the face. Health experts say it is necessary to protect children from the danger of this infectious disease. In some situations, there may be a risk of mumps taking a serious form.
Cases had also increased in March-April
It is important to know here that mumps infection can make not only children but also adults victims. Before the capital Delhi-NCR, last month itself, cases of this infectious disease were seen increasing in Tamil Nadu-Kerala to Rajasthan. This infectious disease, caused by a group of viruses called paramyxovirus, can cause severe and painful swelling of the parotid glands. Some reports suggest that in case of severe mumps infection, patients may also lose their hearing ability.
Doctors say, that mumps disease most affects children aged between two to 12 years, people who have not been vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) are also at risk of getting the infection and its serious form. There may be more. It becomes necessary to identify and treat its symptoms in time. In the initial stages of infection, problems like fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite may occur. As the infection progresses, there is a risk of its symptoms increasing.
What is doctors' advice to prevent mumps?
Paramyxovirus is considered the main cause of mumps disease. The virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with a person's saliva or through respiratory droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. To prevent this infectious disease, it is considered necessary to maintain proper distance from the infected person.
People who have weak immune systems or who have not received the MMR vaccine may be at higher risk of developing this disease. If your child has a mumps infection, keep them from going to school to prevent its spread.
What to do if you get infected with mumps?
Health experts say, there is no specific treatment for mumps. Doctors give some medicines for its symptoms. Usually, this infection resolves on its own within a few weeks. In case of this infectious disease, it is advised to consume fluids, gargle with lukewarm salt water, and avoid acidic foods.
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)
