…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media. The National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD) has confirmed an ongoing mumps outbreak in South Africa.
Mumps is a viral infection that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands.
While it primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 9, individuals of all age groups can contract the infection.
Concerns over Clusters and Outbreaks
Since February 2023, the NICD has received numerous reports regarding potential mumps clusters or outbreaks in various provinces.
To verify the outbreak, the NICD has requested national public sector laboratory test data for mumps PCR positives and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) positives from 2013 to the present.
High Positivity Rates among Young Children
Analysis of the data reveals a significant increase in mumps IgM test positives, with a current percent-positivity rate of 69% in 2023.
The most affected age group is children between 1 and 4 years old, followed by individuals aged 30-34 and 10-14 years old.
Epidemic Curve Indicates Outbreak
The epidemic curve, tracking the number of cases over time, demonstrates a consistent rise in IgM test positives from week 6 of 2023.
The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng account for the majority of the reported cases.
In the absence of further data, the sudden increase in IgM and PCR test positives confirms an outbreak, according to the NICD.
Preventive Measures and Vaccination
To limit the transmission of mumps during an outbreak, the NICD suggests an additional dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for high-risk groups, especially in countries with universal access to mumps vaccination.
These groups include individuals with close contact to infected persons, such as sharing sports equipment or drinks, kissing, or living together.
Vaccination Challenges in South Africa
It is important to note that the MMR vaccine is not universally available in South Africa.
The NICD advises seeking guidance from local healthcare providers if infected with mumps.
Analysis and Commentary
The mumps outbreak in South Africa raises concerns about the spread of this highly contagious viral infection.
The surge in mumps cases, particularly among young children, highlights the need for effective preventive measures and public health interventions.
The NICD’s efforts to track and analyze the data provide valuable insights into the extent and distribution of the outbreak.
The identification of specific provinces with a higher number of cases allows for targeted interventions in those areas.
The lack of universal access to the MMR vaccine in South Africa poses a challenge in controlling the spread of mumps.
Access to vaccines and immunization programs is crucial in preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
The recommendation for an additional dose of the MMR vaccine for high-risk groups emphasizes the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure.
Public awareness and education about mumps transmission and prevention are vital in curbing the outbreak.
The involvement of healthcare providers in providing guidance and information to the public is essential in promoting preventive behaviors and timely medical intervention.
Efforts to address the mumps outbreak in South Africa should include a multi-faceted approach, combining vaccination campaigns, public health messaging, and targeted interventions in high-risk areas.
Collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, public health authorities, and communities are crucial in mitigating the impact of the outbreak and preventing further spread of the infection.
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