Mumps cases have been spreading rapidly in Kerala since last year.

Cause of Mumps: Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus family.
Transmission: The disease is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected individual.
Symptoms: Mumps is characterized by painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands near the ears. Common symptoms include:
- Swollen and sensitive salivary glands
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Nature of the Illness: Mumps is typically a mild and self-limiting illness, though complications can arise.
Complications: Mumps can lead to complications such as:
- Inflammation of the testes (orchitis)
- Inflammation of the ovaries
- Pancreatitis
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- In rare cases, mumps may result in hearing loss or infertility.
Prevention: Vaccination is an effective preventive measure against mumps. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is available at private healthcare facilities.
Government Immunization Program: The MMR vaccine is not part of the government’s Universal Immunization Programme, which only covers the Measles-Rubella vaccine.
Immunization Under Universal Immunization Program (UIP): Immunization is provided free of cost under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
National Immunization Coverage (9 Diseases): The following 9 diseases are covered nationally under UIP:
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles
- Rubella (a severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis)
- Hepatitis B
- Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus Influenzae type B
Sub-national Immunization Coverage (3 Diseases): The following 3 diseases are covered sub-nationally under UIP:
- Rotavirus Diarrhoea
- Pneumococcal Pneumonia
- Japanese Encephalitis
PRELIMS PRACTISE PYQ
Q.Which of the following statements about the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) are true?
A) UIP provides free immunization against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
B) UIP covers immunization for 9 diseases at the national level, including Diphtheria, Polio, and Measles.
C) UIP only covers diseases like Hepatitis B and Rubella at the sub-national level.
D) UIP includes immunization against Rotavirus diarrhoea, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and Japanese Encephalitis at the sub-national level