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Should Mumps Be Higher Up on the Public Health Agenda in India? A Concern for Global Health Security
Syed Manzoor Kadri1, Saleem-Ur Rehman2, Kausar Rehana3
1Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir 190001, India. kadrism@gmail.com.
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.
Insights
Mumps outbreaks in Kashmir highlight the need for India to adopt the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine into routine immunization. This public health intervention can reduce disease spread and improve overall health security.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mumps, caused by the mumps virus (a paramyxovirus), is a global public health concern.
- The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely used in over 100 countries.
- India does not include the mumps vaccine in its national immunization program, viewing it as a minor health issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mumps outbreaks in Kashmir, India.
- To provide evidence supporting the inclusion of the mumps vaccine in India's routine immunization schedule.
- To advocate for enhanced public health strategies against paramyxovirus infections.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mumps outbreak data from July to September 2017 in Kashmir.
- Utilizing data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
- Review of existing literature on mumps epidemiology and vaccination.
Main Results:
- 15 mumps outbreaks and 260 cases were recorded in Kashmir between July and September 2017.
- The data indicates a significant burden of mumps in the region.
- The findings underscore the inadequacy of current public health responses to mumps in India.
Conclusions:
- The Indian government should integrate the MMR vaccine into the Universal Immunization Programme.
- Routine mumps vaccination offers clinical and economic benefits by reducing outbreaks and associated morbidity.
- Strengthening surveillance and adhering to International Health Regulations (IHRs) is crucial for global health security.
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