Surge in Mumps cases among children: experts unveil causes

An increase in mumps cases among children has been observed in various regions, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, raising concerns among parents.

Mumps, a viral infection, manifests with an initial phase of low-grade fever, malaise, headache, and loss of appetite, followed by the onset of painful swelling around the ears. This non-specific phase typically lasts for approximately 3 to 4 days.

Subsequently, there is inflammation of the parotid glands on both sides of the face, leading to pain, swelling, and tenderness in the cheek and jaw region. This phase typically persists for a duration of 7 to 14 days.

The cause of mumps is attributed to the paramyxovirus, which belongs to the Rubulavirus family.

According to Dr. Prashant Udavant, a Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, he emphasizes that mothers face an elevated risk of miscarriage if infected during the first trimester. However, those who were immunized or had mumps in childhood need not be concerned. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals are prone to more severe complications like pancreatitis, meningitis, encephalitis, and myocarditis, surpassing the severity of orchitis.