Mumps Spreads: District Collector Declares 21-Day Holiday for Alappuzha School

In light of confirmed mumps cases at Mararikulam Govt. L.P. School in Alappuzha, the District Collector has declared a holiday for the school to prevent further spread of the disease. The holiday, a precautionary measure to prevent the disease from spreading to more children, will be effective for 21 days starting from January 22. The District Education Deputy Director has been instructed to arrange online classes during this period. The Collector’s order also directs the Health Department and Local Self-Government Department to intensify disease prevention activities within and around the school premises.

**Mumps Symptoms and Care**

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus (a type of paramyxovirus), primarily spread through airborne transmission. The disease affects the salivary glands. Symptoms typically begin with headache, fever, and fatigue. It commonly causes swelling in the salivary glands (parotitis), which spreads to the cheeks and near the jawline. Mumps usually affects unvaccinated children aged between two and twelve years. However, the disease can also appear in teenagers and adults, even those who have been vaccinated, due to decreased immunity years after vaccination. The most effective way to prevent mumps infection is to complete the full course of vaccination.

There is no specific treatment for mumps, and the disease typically resolves within two weeks. The primary approach is to manage symptoms and alleviate discomfort for the patient. Those infected should drink plenty of water, gargle occasionally with lukewarm water, and consume foods that are easy to chew and swallow. In rare cases, mumps can lead to complications such as brain inflammation, hearing loss, and painful swelling in the testicles in males.