20 districts register increased cases of mumps

According to Dr. Richard Idro, an associate professor of paediatrics and child health at Makerere University, the cases were discovered after a survey was conducted by a group of doctors recently.  

Idro said there was a noticeable increase in both late November and October, and that cases had spread countrywide by December last year.

The 20 affected districts include: Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Masaka, Kyenjojo, Soroti and Serere where cases have been reported at health facilities.

“The number if high and children are being found with signs and symptoms upon reporting to hospitals,” he said.

Idro said that disease is caused by a highly contagious virus, and it primarily affects children.

Symptoms

Available information about the disease indicates that symptoms of mumps show up about 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. Some people may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms.

The first symptoms may be similar to flu symptoms such as: Fever, headache, muscle aches or pain, not wanting to eat and Tiredness.

Swelling of the salivary glands usually starts within a few days.

Others may include: Swelling of one or both glands on the sides of the face, pain or tenderness around the swelling, less often, swelling of glands below the floor of the mouth.

When to see a doctor

See your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of mumps. Mumps spreads very easily for about five days after the swelling starts. If you think you have mumps, let the clinic know before you go. The clinic staff likely will take steps to prevent the spread of disease.