Hyderabad: Mumps cases surge in old city areas; doctors call for MMR vaccination

Hyderabad: Hyderabad is witnessing a significant surge in mumps cases.

Dr Arif Aziz Nathani, a senior pediatrician, expressed concern over the rising trend of mumps cases particularly in the Old City areas,

He called for urgent action and timely vaccination to curb the spread of the disease. He emphasized the importance of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination.

Dr. Nathani described the current surge in mumps cases as an epidemic, with his clinic attending 10 to 20 patients daily, underlining the contagious nature of the viral infection. He pointed out that a notable number of cases were reported from the Old City, making it crucial to address the situation promptly.

Mumps, a contagious viral infection known for causing swelling of the salivary glands, presents symptoms such as fever and difficulty swallowing, lasting 7 to 10 days.

Dr. Nathani stressed the importance of home isolation to prevent further spread and recommended infected children stay away from school for at least a week.

Attributing the rise in cases to parental ignorance, Dr. Nathani urged all parents not to overlook the MMR vaccination. The vaccine, administered in two doses between 9 to 12 months and 12 to 15 months, plays a crucial role in preventing mumps and other related diseases. Disregarding vaccine-related rumors, he underscored the necessity of prioritizing all vaccines.

Furthermore, Dr. Nathani emphasized the importance of adhering to recommended vaccination schedules, highlighting the role of community-wide immunity in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Drawing attention to the practices in countries like the US and Canada, where these vaccines are mandated for school admission, he urged parents to recognize the significance of public health measures.

“In densely populated areas like the Old City, where the risk of disease spread is higher, public awareness and proactive measures become paramount,” Dr. Nathani said.