INTRODUCTION : Mumps, a viral infection affecting children, leads to parotid gland swelling and is moderately to highly contagious. Complications include aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, orchitis, oophoritis, deafness, and pancreatitis. This study examines mumps cases in Tamil Nadu from January to May 2024 using data from the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), focusing on district incidence, rural-urban differences, and age-specific attack rates.
METHODS : This cross-sectional study utilized Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme data from January to May 2024. Analyzed variables included gender, age, urban/rural classification, district, onset date, and geographical coordinates. Statistical analyses were performed using Epi Info, Open Epi, and QGIS to assess mumps trends, incubation period distribution, district-wise attack rates, and rural-urban differences.
RESULTS : From January 1 to May 20, 2024, 1,726 mumps cases were reported in Tamil Nadu. Cases increased sharply from January, peaked in April, and declined significantly in May, with similar patterns in rural and urban areas. Children aged 0-6 years had the highest attack rate, being about 9 times more likely to contract mumps than older individuals (95% CI: 8.196-9.902, p < 0.05). Males showed a significantly higher risk of infection [OR 1.176 (95% CI: 1.069-1.292, p < 0.05)]. Attack rates varied significantly across districts, with higher rates in Chennai, Kanyakumari, Kallakurichi, Tiruchirappalli,
and Perambalur.
CONCLUSION : The high attack rate among children aged 0-6 years highlights the need to address mumps-related complications in this age group. Uneven case distribution across districts indicates potential hotspots, necessitating targeted public health interventions. The higher incidence among young children and males underscores the need to address vaccination gaps and improve public health awareness to mitigate severe outcomes.