Ministry of Health comments on information about mass spread of mumps
In recent days, publications about the widespread spread of epidemic parotitis (mumps) in Baku have been circulating on social networks.
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan states that this information does not correspond to the actual epidemiological situation.
As 1news.az reports, this is stated in a statement from the Ministry of Health.
It was noted that the epidemiological situation regarding epidemic parotitis in the country remains stable at present:
"Registered cases of infection are sporadic in nature; no epidemic or mass spread of the disease has been recorded.
The current situation is under constant epidemiological control by specialized medical institutions, and necessary preventive and anti-epidemic measures are being consistently implemented.
Epidemic parotitis is most often observed among unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals.
The disease is transmitted primarily by airborne droplets — through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. The incubation period usually lasts from 11 to 23 days.
The main symptoms of the disease are elevated body temperature, swelling and tenderness in the area of the parotid salivary glands, discomfort when chewing and swallowing, general weakness, headache, and loss of appetite.
In most cases, epidemic parotitis occurs in a mild form and ends with complete recovery. However, in rare cases, certain complications may develop in unvaccinated adolescents and adults. For this reason, timely vaccination is of particular importance for preventing the disease.
In Azerbaijan, in accordance with the National Immunization Schedule, the combined vaccine against measles, epidemic parotitis, and rubella (MMR) is administered to children at the age of 12 months, and revaccination is carried out at the age of 6. The MMR vaccine is the most reliable and effective means of protection against epidemic parotitis.
The Ministry of Health recommends that parents check their children's vaccination status. If vaccination has been postponed or missed for any reason, it is recommended to contact a medical institution at the place of residence and consult a doctor.
To protect against the disease, it is recommended to follow such preventive measures as avoiding close contact with sick individuals, observing personal hygiene rules, regularly washing hands, and frequently ventilating enclosed spaces. If characteristic symptoms of the disease are detected, self-medication should be avoided, a doctor should be consulted, and the individual should not return to a group setting until full recovery.
The Ministry of Health once again states that the epidemiological situation in the country is under full control. In order to protect public health, epidemiological monitoring and operational control measures continue uninterrupted.
Citizens are asked to refer exclusively to official sources, as well as not to believe unconfirmed information spread on social networks and not to share it."
