Brasilia registers 108 cases of mumps in seven days.
According to the State Health Department, the total number of patients infected with the virus reached 865 from the beginning of January until July 2nd; of these, 843 are residents of the Federal District, which is equivalent to 97,5%; according to the Health Department, the peak in cases is due to the increased sensitivity of the surveillance system and the continuous addition of cases to the database used.
PALOMA SUERTEGARAY, FROM AGÊNCIA BRASÍLIA - The Federal District registered 108 new cases of mumps last week, according to information from the Health Department. The data is from Epidemiological Bulletin No. 3 — which covers the period from the beginning of January to July 2nd —, released this Thursday (7). According to the report, the total number of patients infected with the virus in 2016 reached 865. Of these, 843 are residents of the Federal District, which is equivalent to 97,5%. According to the Health Department, the peak in occurrences is due to the increased sensitivity of the surveillance system and the continuous insertion of cases into the database used.
Most patients (522) are male, which may be related to Isolated outbreak occurred at the Papuda Penitentiary Complex.In February, women of childbearing age are also part of the target group for the vaccine that protects against mumps, measles, and rubella. Regarding cases by age, the 20-49 and 15-19 age groups accounted for the majority of cases, with 44,9% and 27,9%, respectively. The highest cumulative incidence by age group remains among patients aged 15-19, due to outbreaks in educational institutions.
The Industry and Supply Sector presented a high incidence of mumps, with 24 occurrences in total, which corresponds to 870,8 cases per 100 inhabitants. According to the Health Department, the increase may be related to an outbreak that occurred at the Penal Progression Center (CPP), coupled with the fact that it is the administrative region with the smallest population.
Up to July 2nd, 23 isolated mumps outbreaks were reported in the Federal District, distributed across seven administrative regions, five of them in Asa Sul. Three occurred in February, three in March, one in April, two in May, and 14 in June. Most of the outbreaks took place in schools.
Precautions to be taken to avoid contamination.
When there is an outbreak, the health department warns of the need for social isolation of patients for at least ten to fifteen days — counted from the first signs and symptoms of the disease. Since contamination occurs through saliva droplets, crowded and enclosed environments should be avoided, as well as sharing cups and cutlery. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
There is no specific treatment for the disease. It is combated through vaccination in childhood. In the public health system, the MMR vaccine (which protects against mumps, measles, and rubella) can be administered in the first year of life; the MMRV vaccine (mumps, measles, rubella, and varicella) is given from 15 months of age.
For children and adolescents up to 19 years old, two doses of the medication are required, and for people aged 20 to 49, only one dose of the MMR vaccine is needed. Prevention is available year-round at health centers.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
Fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches—when chewing or swallowing—and weakness are the most common symptoms. The disease is also characterized by enlarged salivary glands, which cause the face to swell.
The incubation period of the virus — the time from infection until the first symptoms appear — can vary from 12 to 25 days. On average, symptoms appear around 16 to 18 days.
Access Epidemiological Bulletin No. 3 in full.