The Health department has intensified its surveillance and preventive measures following a fresh outbreak of mumps among students at two schools in Ambalappuzha and Punnapra.
Officials said here on Wednesday that only a few students had tested positive for the disease. “There is no need to panic. We are closely monitoring the situation and precautionary measures are being implemented in collaboration with local bodies to prevent the spread of the disease,” said a Health department official.
Last month, an outbreak of the disease outbreak led to the closure of two schools, Government NS Lower Primary School, Eramalloor, and Government Lower Primary School, Perumbalam South, for 21 days. Prior to that, several students at a school in Punnapra had tested positive for the disease, prompting its closure for 21 days.
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that primarily affects children but could also infect adolescents and adults. It mostly causes the parotid salivary glands on one or both sides of the face to swell and may be tender or painful. Other common symptoms include fever, headache, difficulty chewing, muscle aches, and fatigue. According to health experts, those exhibiting symptoms should seek medical treatment without delay. If untreated, the disease could lead to complications such as encephalitis, hearing loss, infertility, swelling of testicles, ovaries, and pancreas.
Mumps spreads easily through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and is contagious from just before the swelling of the glands and up to five days after the appearance of swelling. Infected individuals are advised to limit contact with others. The patients should rest completely until fully recovered and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Published – February 19, 2025 06:31 pm IST
