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Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Health Department has issued a high alert following a surge in mumps cases among schoolchildren in Coimbatore. Authorities have stepped up surveillance and preventive measures after 21 kindergarten (KG) students from a matriculation school in Peelamedu tested positive for the viral infection in the past two days.
In response to the outbreak, the school administration has declared a holiday until March 12 to prevent further spread of the disease. Health officials from the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation revealed that 13 KG students initially exhibited symptoms two days ago. The school management promptly sent the affected students home to mitigate the risk of transmission. Health department officials have reassured the public that there is no need for panic but have urged those experiencing symptoms of measles, mumps, or chickenpox to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government hospital.
Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children but can also infect adolescents and adults. The infection typically causes swelling of the parotid salivary glands on one or both sides of the face, leading to pain and discomfort. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, difficulty chewing, and fatigue. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and remains contagious from just before gland swelling begins to up to five days afterward. Infected individuals should limit contact with others, rest adequately, and stay hydrated until recovery.
While mumps is generally considered a mild, self-limiting illness, it can lead to complications, particularly in unvaccinated children.
A study conducted by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health (DPH) using data from the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has highlighted a concerning rise in mumps cases across the state. According to the study, the incidence rate of mumps per lakh population increased from 0.07 in 2021-22 to 1.30 in 2023-24. Many cases are believed to be underreported since mumps is not a notifiable disease, and some hospitals do not document cases.
Between April 2021 and March 2024, Tamil Nadu recorded 1,281 presumptive cases of mumps, with 56.05 per cent of them occurring in women. The study found that 70 per cent of cases were among children under nine years old, while 10 per cent were reported in the 10-19 age group. There has been a steady increase in reported cases over the years. In 2021, out of around 2,261 cases, Coimbatore accounted for 15 per cent and Dharmapuri 11 per cent.
Meanwhile, in 2022-23, at least 129 cases were reported with Thiruvarur district accounting for 51 per cent, Nagapattinam 11 per cent, and Chennai 4 per cent. During 2023-24, the state logged 1,091 cases.
Health experts have suggested that environmental changes, population dynamics, and variations in vaccination coverage may be contributing factors to the increase in mumps cases. While mumps-related complications are rare, especially in children, doctors emphasize that the risk of severe outcomes can be significantly reduced through vaccination.
India introduced the measles vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in 1985 and later introduced the combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine in 2017 to eliminate both diseases by 2020. The DPH study recommends making mumps a notifiable disease in Tamil Nadu to enhance monitoring and control efforts. It also suggests incorporating the mumps vaccine into the UIP schedule as per the Union Government’s guidelines to prevent further outbreaks.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official health department reports and expert opinions. Readers are encouraged to consult medical professionals for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The information provided is for awareness purposes only and should not replace medical advice.
