Key Points
A self-limiting, viral infections, mumps can cause the parotid glands, the ones on each side of the face to swell and they may also be tender or painful..
The current outbreak is leading to concerning symptoms and fear of complications..
While data on India's mumps burden is limited, studies like the one on children under 5 paint a worrying picture, low seropositivity (53.3% at 9 months, 20.3% at 1 year), declining antibody levels, and even susceptibility among vaccinated individuals (34.7% in one study)..
"Fever, headache, muscle pain, tiredness, loss of appetite are early symptoms and then after 2-3 days swollen glands under the ears or jaw appears which may be there on one side or both sides (bilaterally)..
Avoid close contact with sick people: Maintain a safe distance (at least 6 feet) from anyone who is showing symptoms of mumps, such as swollen glands or fever..
