SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has reported a significant number of mumps cases over the past two years, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav. The information, part of an official response to an unstarred question by MP AA Rahim, highlights a troubling rise in mumps outbreaks across the country, with a particular focus on Jammu and Kashmir.
As per government records, Jammu and Kashmir saw 450 reported cases of mumps in 2023, marking one of the highest incidences in India for that year. The situation continued into 2024, albeit with a lower count of 95 cases. In addition, the Union Territory of Ladakh, which had no recorded cases in previous years, reported 111 cases in 2024. Despite these alarming figures, there have been no reported deaths from mumps in Jammu and Kashmir or anywhere else in the country during the period under review.
Mumps, a contagious viral disease, is preventable through the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, the government clarified that mumps vaccination is not currently part of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), which provides free vaccines against 12 other preventable diseases. This has raised concerns among public health experts regarding the potential vulnerability of children in the region, particularly given the fluctuating number of cases.
The overall burden of mumps in India has seen a sharp increase, with 4,145 cases reported across different states in 2024, compared to 1,194 cases in 2023. Kerala recorded the highest number of cases in 2024 at 1,579, followed by Tamil Nadu with 1,067 cases. The presence of outbreaks in Jammu and Kashmir underscores the need for enhanced surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and potential policy revisions regarding vaccine inclusion.
While health authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have been actively monitoring and responding to outbreaks, medical experts stress the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination, maintaining hygiene, and early diagnosis to curb the spread of the disease. Parents and caregivers have also been urged to remain vigilant and seek timely medical attention for children showing symptoms such as swelling of salivary glands, fever, and muscle pain.
