Keralam's Persistent Mumps Outbreak Triggers Renewed Calls For MMR Vaccine Inclusion

A continuing mumps outbreak in Keralam that began in late 2023 has recorded tens of thousands of cases, leading to school and hostel closures in multiple districts.

The surge has renewed demands from pediatricians to include the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in the central Universal Immunisation Programme.

While the Centre maintains that mumps-associated complications are not considered a significant public health priority, experts highlight risks including permanent hearing loss and reproductive gland complications.