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The virus mainly affects the parotid glands near the ears, adds Lizeth Kruger, Clinic Executive at Dis- Chem. “The incubation period is generally 16 to 18 days, though it can range from 12 to 25,” she explains. Mumps spreads through saliva and respiratory droplets, which is why it's common in places where children are in close contact, like classrooms and playgroups. “People are also often contagious before swelling appears and can continue to spread the virus for several days after,” Lizeth notes. This is why isolation during this time is so important. “Furthermore, up to one in three people - especially those who've been vaccinated - may show no symptoms at all, which makes stopping transmission more challenging,” she says. For most children, symptoms ease within a week or two with rest, fluids, soft foods, and paracetamol or ibuprofen, “© BETTER CHILD assures Lizeth. “Acidic drinks should also be avoided and warm or cold compresses administered for comfort,” she advises. However, although uncommon, complications can be serious. For instance, Cherie notes that teenagers and adults are more prone to issues like orchitis (painful swelling of the testicles), oophoritis (ovary inflammation), meningitis, encephalitis, and temporary hearing loss. “Orchitis can affect up to 40% of post-pubertal males and may have fertility implications,” adds Lizeth. Therefore, if symptoms worsen or unusual signs appear, urgently seek medical advice. AN ALARMING REAPPEARANCE While once considered largely controlled, mumps has re-emerged in parts of the country. “It's a childhood illness many assumed was behind us, but we saw clusters of cases in 2023 across KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng,” says Cherie. According to NICD data, the highest rates were among children aged one to nine, with over 80% of confirmed cases falling within that group. “Experts believe the decline in general exposure during the COVID-19 period contributed to lower immunity, especially among young children,” adds Lizeth. Health authorities are also concerned that smaller, localised outbreaks may continue, especially given South Africa’s limited immunisation coverage. Cherie notes that many local healthcare providers are seeing these patterns, as the mumps component has not been included in the public immunisation schedule for some time. “Globally, when outbreaks occur, extra doses of the MMR vaccine may be advised for people at higher risk, such as healthcare workers, unvaccinated children, and students in communal settings,” says Lizeth. “In South Africa, families should speak to their private healthcare provider or pharmacist to explore vaccination options.”