Mumps, a contagious viral infection, is making a comeback in India, particularly affecting children and young adults aged 18 to 25 in Delhi and nearby areas.
Dr. Kiran Agarwal, chairperson of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics in Delhi, described this surge in cases as an outbreak, with 3-5 cases reported daily for the past 7-9 months.
What is mumps? It’s a viral infection that causes swelling in the salivary glands, leading to puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. This virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. These signs usually appear about 16–18 days after the infection.
Dr. Agarwal recommends protecting children with the MMR vaccine, which guards against measles, mumps, and rubella. The first dose is given around 12–13 months old, with a booster dose at 3 years and 4 months. This vaccine provides about 88% protection against mumps.
