According to a list of the most searched questions of 2023, ‘How is mumps spread in South Africa’ was one of the top search terms last year, according to Google Trends.
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Because of this we wanted to address it under our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) banner. Therefore, what is mumps, why is it on Mzansi’s mind and how is mumps spread in South Africa?
WHAT IS MUMPS?
If you’ll recall, back in May 2023, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) did confirm an outbreak of mumps in South Africa. Mumps, otherwise known as ‘infectious parotitis’, is an acute, painful swelling of the parotid or salivary glands.
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It is generally accepted as a disease affecting children, usually between the ages of 5-9 years old. However, adults can contract the virus. Adults who have had mumps, are usually protected for life, thankfully.
HOW IS MUMPS SPREAD IN SOUTH AFRICA?
The answer to ‘how is mumps spread in South Africa’ is a simple one. “It’s a virus that is transmitted person to person through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets of an infected person”, says the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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The infectious period lasts two to five days after onset. The mumps virus has also been isolated up to 14 days in urine and semen. When a person is ill with mumps, they should quarantine and avoid contact with others from the time of diagnosis for five full days. It’s understood that the spread was caused by children who are not immunised against mumps in South Africa.
UNEXPECTED OUTBREAK IN SOUTH AFRICA
Back in May of 2023, researches saw an ‘epidemic curve’, following unexpected and steady increases in the number of positives mumps cases. The number of cases in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng accounted for the majority and did constitute an outbreak.
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For now, the communicable disease appears to be under control for 2024, but authorities are monitoring the situation. If you haven’t already, you’re encouraged to get your child immunised for mumps as soon as possible.
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