Should Mumps Be Higher Up on the Public Health Agenda in India? A Concern for Global Health Security

Abstract

Mumps is a public health problem on a global scale caused by mumps virus, a member of family paramyxoviridae. An effective form of vaccination exists and is incorporated into routine immunization schedules in over 100 countries, usually in the form of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. This is not the case in India, as mumps is not viewed as a significant enough public health problem by the government to warrant such an intervention. This original research paper discusses about outbreaks of mumps in Kashmir, India and aims to add to the body of literature to support the routine immunization with the mumps vaccine. From July to September 2017, there were 15 outbreaks and 260 cases of mumps recorded in the region by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). We conclude that the Indian Government should include the MMR vaccination in the Universal Immunization Programme. This would result in clinical and economic benefits by reducing outbreaks and associated morbidity of mumps, in addition to tackling the recognized morbidity and mortality of rubella and measles. To support the global health security, there is a great need to strengthen surveillance, adhere to the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHRs), and pay attention to emerging and re-emerging infectious agents, including paramyxovirus group.

Hepatitis A and E Outbreak Surveillance during 2015–2017 in Kashmir, India: Is the Water to Blame?

“…By contrast, Kupwara and Baramulla, the second most affected regions, recorded only three outbreaks. The IDSP has also been recording various other outbreaks in Kulgam and other districts through epidemiological methods and diagnosing diseases based on clinical signs and symptoms [9].…”

The High Seropositivity of Mumps Virus IgG Antibodies among School-Aged Children in Rural Areas of the Mbarali District in the Mbeya Region, Tanzania: It Is High Time for Consideration in the National Immunization Program

“…and associated complications, the mumps infection can lead to spontaneous abortion if contracted in the first trimester of pregnancy. Other complications of mumps include nephritis, myocarditis, and other sequelae such as cranial nerve palsies, seizures, paralysis, and hydrocephalus [3][4][5]. Orchitis has been reported as the most common complication, ranging from 6% among vaccinated post-pubertal males to 30% among unvaccinated post-pubertal males.…”