Mumps Outbreak In Kerala: What Causes This Contagious Disease? Know Symptoms, Vaccination, And Complications

Mumps is characterised by painful swelling of the salivary glands, resulting in puffy cheeks, and a tender, swollen jaw. Other symptoms include headache, fatigue, fever, muscle ache, and sore throat.

Mumps vaccination: To reduce the risk of a child contracting the mumps virus, they must be administered a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. This is known as the MMR vaccine. 

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Mumps, a contagious disease caused by a paramyxovirus, has been spreading rapidly in Kerala this year. On March 10, as many as 190 cases were reported in a single day in the state, media reports said. According to data from the Kerala Health Department, there have been over 2,500 cases of mumps in March, and over 11,467 cases so far this year.  A large number of cases have been reported in the Kasaragod and Malappuram districts of Malabar.  What is mumps? What symptoms does it