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Health For Mzansi

Mumps outbreak hits Mzansi: How to stay safe

Take care Mzansi, because there's another vicious virus doing the rounds. This time it's mumps which likes to manifest itself in little bodies so parents, listen up and take note of possible symptoms

by Vateka Halile
12th May 2023
in Trending
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Mumps outbreak hits Mzansi: How to stay safe

Mumps can infect persons of all ages, including both younger and older children, as well as adults. Photo: Shutterstock/Health For Mzansi

While South Africa recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent outbreak of measles, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has since confirmed an outbreak of mumps.

Mumps is a viral pathogen that is instigated by the rubulavirus and conventionally manifests with an abrupt onset.

The mumps virus is frequently described as “infectious parotitis” owing to its capacity to elicit distressing inflammation of the parotid and salivary glands, according to the NICD. Furthermore, mumps is commonly regarded as a benign ailment that predominantly impacts young people within the age bracket of five to 9 years.

Since February 2023, the NICD has received several inquiries regarding potential clusters or outbreaks of mumps in various provinces.

Signs and symptoms

According to Dr Mxolisi Xulu from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, symptoms of mumps include inflammation of the salivary glands, and this parotitis may initially present with local tenderness, pain, and earache.

A child with a very swollen jaw and cheeks due to mumps. Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Health for Mzansi.

“Unilateral swelling of the salivary gland (lateral cheek and jaw area) occurs during the course of the disease and both salivary glands are usually swollen,” Xulu says.

Other symptoms are redness in the area of the parotid duct, possible protruding ears, and a flat, red rash that begins on the face and disseminates to the rest of the body can occur, he adds.

Symptoms can last three to four days and include low-grade fever, malaise, and headache, explains Xulu.

How is it transmitted?

Xulu notes states that humans are the sole host, and the virus is transmitted via airborne droplets, through direct contact with contaminated saliva or respiratory secretions of contaminated fomites.

“Mumps is highly infectious; it affects individuals three days before and up to nine days after disease onset (when the parotid gland becomes swollen).”

Dr Mxolisi Xulu
Dr Mxolisi Xulu says mumps can also infect older people. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Asymptomatic cases are also contagious, he adds.

Beware of complications

According to Xulu, mumps can potentially lead to the development of viral meningitis. This condition is characterised by the infiltration of the virus into the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain.

“Complications encompass testicular or ovarian oedema, in the event that the person has undergone pubertal development.”

While it is applicable that mumps typically resolves without inflicting significant harm to one’s well-being, although rare, it is pertinent to acknowledge the presence of serious complications. 

Who is at risk?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mumps can infect persons of all ages, including both younger and older children, as well as adults.

Individuals who have previously contracted mumps typically develop lifelong immunity to the virus and are therefore less likely to experience a subsequent mumps infection. However, second occurrences of mumps rarely occur.

ALSO READ: Going vegan or plant-based? Here’s what to expect

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Tags: ChildrenInfectious disease
Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile grew up in rural areas of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape. She was raised in a traditional family setting and found writing to be a source of comfort and escape. Vateka participated in an online citizen journalism course through Food For Mzansi, and her passion for health and medicine-related stories was born. Her dedication to community work and love for social justice and solidarity spaces is evident in her quality time with the community when she isn't working.

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers