Mumps disease has spread to nearly 20 districts in Uganda according to an online survey carried out by a group of doctors. According to Dr. Richard Idro- an associate professor of pediatrics and child health at Makerere university and a consultant at Mulago Hospital, the perception is that initial cases may have between between  July and October but spread country wide this month.

The most affected districts include Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Masaka, Kyenjojo, Lira, Soroti, Serere, Mbale, Agago, Adjumani, Gulu, Kiryadongo, Jinja, Kabarole, Busia, and Mbarara.

“Although many doctors in other districts indicated that they each saw between one and five cases; in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Mbarara, Kyenjojo and Soroti, several doctors and especially pediatricians, reported seeing more than five cases each and some, several cases daily. Some children were presenting with unusual symptoms,” Dr Idro said.

Mumps is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus and commonly affects children. Affected children develop pain in the throat and swelling in the glands that produce saliva. The virus is spread through contact with fluids from the mouth, nose and throat when an infected person coughs or sneezes, Dr. Edison Mworozi noted.

He also added that children can stay with the virus 1-7 days before symptoms appear, the virus can stay on surfaces like; utensils, cups and door knobs.

Courtesy photo.