Friday’s warning from the Erongo regional medical directorate about a possible mumps outbreak in Swakopmund was issued by the Erongo regional hospital.
Dr Leonard Kabongo was the chief medical officer in the Erongo area. He said 26 suspected cases were reported to Swakopmund District as of September 9. He also stated that 20 cases were being reported at Swakopmund. Three cases each at Arandis Bay or Henties Bay.
“Samples were taken from 11 cases and the district is awaiting the results. An outbreak will be confirmed if three or more cases test positive,” said Kabongo.
Paramyxovirus causes Mumps, an acute viral illness that usually presents as swelling of the salivary or parotid glands.
The illness can last from three to seven days, and most people recover within two weeks. The symptoms of the disease include puffy cheeks and tender, swelling jaws due to swollen salivary cells, fever, headaches, muscle ache, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
These symptoms usually appear between 16-18 hours after infection, Kabongo said.
The disease spreads by direct contact with saliva, respiratory droplets, or saliva from the mouth, nose or throat. An infected person can spread it through coughing and sneezing. They can also transmit it through talking, sharing saliva-covered items, and kissing.
Source: namibian
