MUMPS MAY LEAD TO INFERTILITY, SAY EXPERTS

Gandhi Hospital is grappling with a surge in patients infected with mumps, prompting medical practitioners to stress on the crucial involvement of the microbiology department. This step is deemed necessary to track the spread of the infection and mitigate further damage.

Experts have underscored that individuals, both boys and girls, who contract mumps may face potential infertility issues.

Mumps is characterised by severe swelling of the parotid glands, and it has the potential to impact various tissues and organs, leading to inflammatory reactions such as encephalitis, meningitis, orchitis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, and nephritis.

Even though mumps is typically self-limiting, with full recovery expected within a few weeks, long-term complications such as paralysis, convulsions, cranial nerve palsies, hydrocephalus, and deafness can manifest.

Dr Suchitra, a paediatrician at Gandhi Hospital, explained, “Mumps initially presents with fever, cold, and cough for 3-4 days, followed by swelling in front of the ear extending to the jaw. This disease has the potential to cause impotency in both boys and girls in the future, making vaccination and early treatment imperative.” She stressed the importance of taking preventive measures to address the current situation effectively.

● MUMPS IS characterised by severe swelling of the parotid glands, and it has the potential to impact various tissues and organs, leading to inflammatory reactions such as encephalitis, meningitis, orchitis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, and nephritis.

● EVEN THOUGH mumps is typically selflimiting, with full recovery expected within a few weeks, long-term complications such as paralysis, convulsions.