Do You Have a Cold or Something More Serious?

Doctors Concerned Over Rising Cases Of Mumps In India: Here Are Some Home Remedies To Protect Your Kids

Gujarat has been witnessing a rise in cases of mumps in children, concerning paediatricians across the city of Vadodara. The doctors feel that this rise may be because the government has discontinued the mumps vaccination. 

Among these rising cases, it becomes essential for you to know how to prevent the risk of mumps in your child. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, The mumps virus transmits from person to person through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets of an infected person. Here are some home remedies that can help protect your kids:

Encourage Good Hygiene Habits

Teach children the importance of regular handwashing. Simple hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of mumps transmission, as the virus spreads through respiratory droplets.

Boost Immunity with Nutrient-Rich Foods

A well-balanced diet is crucial for a robust immune system. Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc, which play key roles in supporting the body's defence mechanisms. Citrus fruits, carrots, and nuts are excellent choices.

Hydration is Key

Adequate hydration is essential for overall health. Ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration supports the immune system and helps the body fight off infections effectively.

Also Read: Difference Between Chickenpox, Mumps and Measles and Home Treatments For Them

Warm Compress for Comfort

If your child exhibits early signs of mumps, such as discomfort or swelling, applying a warm compress to the affected area can provide relief. This simple remedy can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.

Adequate Rest

A well-rested body is better equipped to fight off infections. Ensure your child gets enough sleep each night, promoting overall health and resilience against viral illnesses like mumps.

Herbal Tea Soothes Sore Throats

For children with mumps-related sore throats, herbal teas like chamomile or ginger tea can be soothing. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Ohio, chamomile tea boosts immunity and helps fight infections related to cold. Opt for caffeine-free options and, if needed, sweeten with a teaspoon of honey (for children older than one year).

Isolation and Rest

Mumps is highly contagious. If your child is diagnosed, ensure they stay isolated from others to prevent the spread of the virus. Plenty of rest during this time allows the body to focus on recovery.

Also Read: Next Pandemic On The Way? Scientists Believe Virus Group That Includes Measles, Nipah Virus Could Be The Cause

Preventing mumps in children involves a combination of vaccination, good hygiene practices, and natural remedies that support overall health. By fostering healthy habits, providing immune-boosting nutrition, and employing simple home remedies, parents can play a proactive role in safeguarding their children from the discomfort of mumps. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.

Anchorage Middle School Reports Suspected Mumps Case

An Anchorage School District logo (File/Alaska Public Media)

An Anchorage middle school student is suspected of having mumps, a virus-caused disease that's highly contagious for those who aren't vaccinated against it. 

In an email to Romig Middle School families, Principal Carrie Sumner said the district learned of the suspected case Thursday morning. After-school activities and field trips were canceled. Sumner wrote that the entire school building and all Romig buses would be disinfected. 

"Out of an abundance of caution, the District is currently coordinating with our partners at the Municipality of Anchorage and the State Department of Health," Sumner wrote. "The ASD Maintenance & Operations Department will be all hands on deck to disinfect the entire Romig facility and all Romig buses this afternoon."

Dr. Michael Savitt is chief medical officer for the Anchorage Health Department. He said many viruses and illnesses can mimic mumps, like influenza, herpes, or HIV.

"It starts out with pain, fever, headache, muscle ache, and of course pain over the affected area," Savitt said. 

After that, Savitt said people may notice gland swelling on the throat. Savitt said Alaska sends its mumps tests to a lab in California for processing, so it may be three to five days before the test results are back.

Savitt said because most people in Anchorage are vaccinated against mumps, it's unlikely to cause an outbreak. Only one case of mumps was confirmed in Alaska last year. 

In 2017, state epidemiologists noted an outbreak of at least 44 cases of mumps in Anchorage, the most the state had seen since the 1970s.

The measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR, vaccine is given to children usually at age one with a booster a few years later. The vaccine is required for students attending public schools in Alaska, but families can apply for an exemption. Savitt said he's concerned that vaccination rates are declining in Alaska.

"We may be seeing a comeback of diseases like mumps or measles, rubella, chickenpox, all kinds of things that had all but greatly disappeared from our daily lives," Savitt said. "They may be coming back now, if we don't start getting vaccinated again."

Savitt said unvaccinated people are highly likely to get mumps if exposed, and children ages 2 to 9 are the most vulnerable.

Tim Rockey is the producer of Alaska News Nightly and covers education for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at trockey@alaskapublic.Org or 907-550-8487. Read more about Tim here. 

Mumps Fever Spreads Unabated In US

Mumps is a viral infection and spreads by air borne transmission. Recently in US there are an increased number of mumps cases. Statistics show that more than 1500 mumps cases were reported in Iowa (975 cases), Nebraska (139), Kansas (205), Illinois (110), Wisconsin (more than 18), Missouri (19), Indiana (unknown) and Okalahoma (unknown). About sixty-seven out of 99 counties have witnessed at least one case of mumps. The three counties hit hardest by mumps are Dubuque (357), Johnson (140, and Black Hawk (102). The state did all it can to prevent the increasing number by following 499 mumps cases. It has collected a wide variety of data such confirmed vaccination status on 429 cases, onset date for 975 cases and age at onset for 959 cases. A single dose of vaccine is enough to prevent 80 % of the disease while a booster dose offers about 95% protection against the disease. The state of Iowa issued a public health bulletin informing the risk of participants and spectators in various mass gatherings and events for contracting mumps. According to the state of Iowa those younger than 50 who have received two doses of mumps vaccine and those older than 49 who have received one dose of vaccine are viewed as fully vaccinated.

In addition it has also recommended other precautions such as practising good respiratory hygiene, frequent washing of the hands, and to stay indoors when sick. In Nebraska 37 cases have been confirmed, 119 probable and 20 suspected. The most affected counties include Adams (27), Hamilton (16), Lancaster (14), Clay (12), Douglas (12), and Hall (12). In Illinois about 110 mumps cases have been documented. The most affected counties and cities include Jo Daviess (20), Winnebago (14), Rock Island (9), and Chicago (9). In Kansas 205 mumps cases have confirmed/probable. Though Wisconsin hasn't released any mumps information Milwaukee city has reported 18 confirmed, probable and suspected mumps cases. In Oklahoma and Indiana there is no mumps cases reported so far.

But in case of Missouri 19 cases have been reported which are in various stages. Health authorities are requesting suspected people not to go back to child care, school, work, or other public places until 5 days after symptoms began or until they are well. The general public should be educated on the signs and symptoms of mumps disease and should seek medical attention as soon as any of these symptoms begin.

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