Mumps Outbreak in Delhi: What Precautions Should You Take? Your FAQs Answered

“We have been seeing an increase in cases of mumps in Delhi, especially in children and young adults,” Dr Tarun Sahani, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, tells FIT.

According to data from the Centre’s Health Ministry, at least 15,637 cases of mumps have been reported in the country from January-March 2024.

Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu – apart from Delhi NCR – are also seeing a drastic rise in cases of mumps, media reports state.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

Dr Tarun Sahani tells FIT, “When someone contracts mumps, their salivary gland swells up a lot. But since it’s a viral infection, there are other more common symptoms as well.”

These could include:

• High fever

• Shivering

• Chills

• Running nose

Notably, for some people, mumps might also lead to pain or discomfort in the testes.

How does the infection spread?

Since it’s a viral infection, Dr Sahani says that mumps are treated on the basis of the symptoms that the patient is exhibiting. He says, “We usually give antiviral medication for fever, running nose, or other symptoms.”

These things can also help when someone is suffering from mumps:

• Hydrating well

• Bedrest

• Being on a liquid/semi-solid diet

What are some preventive measures you can take?

• If you come in contact with an infected person, isolate.

• Maintain good hygiene.

• Wash your hands regularly.

• Cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing.

There is also a vaccine against mumps – called the MMR or the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine – which is administered to infants.

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)