The epidemiology of mumps in India and the magnitude of the problem are still not fully appreciated, as pointed out by Dr. Jacob John(l). Mumps continues to occur in epidemic proportions, despite the availability of an effective vaccine. We present the data on mumps cases admitted to the Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Calicut, (North Kerala) during the five-year period from 1999 to 2003. Compilation of data was done as part of monitoring of epidemic and infectious diseases. Data sheets were filled every week and records maintained. This was done as part of the Prevention of Epidemic and Infectious Disease initiative. Children with mumps are usually admitted only when complications occur. Although the data does not give exact estimate of the disease burden in the community, it is a reflection of the magnitude of the problem. The diagnosis of mumps was made clinically on the basis of the presence of acute parotitis, unilateral or bilateral(l) .

There were 301 children admitted with mumps between 1999 and 2003. After a declining trend from 1999 to 2001 the number of cases increased. There were 92 admissions in 1999, 79 in 2000, 20 in 2001 and 55 in both 2002 and 2003.

The male female ratio was 2.2:1, with 208 boys (69%) and 93 (31%) girls. Majority of cases (58%) were in the 5-9 year age group. 85 children (28%) were in the 1-4 year age group and 39 (13%) were in the 10-12 year age group. There were two children below the age of one year. Cases occurred throughout the year, though there was a significant decline every year from May to July.

The age profile of our subjects is similar to that from the epidemic reported from Thiruvananthapuram in South Kerala(l). The male preponderance can be explained by the fact that complications due to mumps occur more frequently in boys(2).

The data presented highlights the fact that mumps contributes significantly to morbidity in children. MMR vaccine is not included in the routine immunization schedule in Kerala and so majority of children do not receive MMR vaccine. The IAP has recommended inclusion of MMR vaccine in the immunization schedule(3). Our data suggests that this needs to be complied with urgently.

M.G. Geeta,
P. Krishna Kumar,
Department of Pediatrics,
Institute of Maternal and Child Health,
Medical College, Calicut,
North Kerala, India.
E-mail: [email protected]  

1. John TJ. An outbreak of Mumps in Thiruvananthapuram District. Indian Pediatr 2004; 41: 298-300.

2. Maldonado Y. Mumps. In: Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Jenson HB. Eds. Nelson Text Book of Pediatrics, 17th Ed. Philadelpha, Saunders 2004; pp l035 -1036.

3. Committee on Immunization, Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Update on immunization policies, guidelines and recommendations. Indian Pediatr 2004; 41: 239-244.