NEWS – There is resurgence of mumps in Kerala

HIGHLIGHTS

Spread and Impact of Mumps Outbreak

• Geographical Spread: Initially reported in Kerala, now spreading to other States like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Case Tally: As of March 22, 2024, 15,637 cases reported, with 6,675 cases this month alone.
• Complications: Possibility of severe complications like meningoencephalitis, pancreatitis, and gonadal effects.

Public Health Concerns

• Underestimation: Reported cases likely grossly underestimate actual cases due to asymptomatic infections.
• Complications: Rise in complications like encephalitis, meningitis, pancreatitis, and gonadal effects observed.
• Lack of Vaccination: Mumps not included in the national immunization schedule due to perceived low public health significance.

Controlling the Outbreak

• Public Awareness: Key tool in limiting transmission, emphasizing isolation of infected individuals.
• Immunization Coverage: Enhancing general immunization coverage, especially targeting unvaccinated children and adolescents.
• School-Based Outbreaks: Implementing strict isolation protocols, avoiding premature return to school post-symptomatic relief.

Vaccination Strategy

• Integration: Aligning mumps vaccination strategies with existing measles elimination and rubella control efforts.
• MMR Vaccine: Advocating for MMR (Mumps-Measles-Rubella) vaccine inclusion in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
• Effectiveness: Globally, two doses of MMR vaccine estimated to provide 70-95% protection if coverage is high.
• Initiatives in Kerala: Previously replaced second dose of measles vaccination with MMR, now seeking inclusion of MMR in UIP.

Collaborative Efforts

• Communication with Centre: Kerala reaching out to the Centre regarding the mumps resurgence and the necessity of MMR vaccine inclusion.
• WHO Recommendations: Aligning vaccination strategies with WHO guidelines for mumps control.

Future Strategy

• Policy Change: Advocating for policy changes to incorporate MMR vaccine in national immunization programs.
• Research: Conducting studies on the effectiveness and long-term impact of mumps vaccination in the Indian context.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track vaccination coverage and disease trends.