Doctors report rise in mumps cases in Kabul, warn against self-medication — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Doctors have reported an increase in cases of mumps at hospitals and clinics in the capital Kabul, warning that the contagious viral disease can cause inflammation of the pancreas, the membranes surrounding the brain and the ovaries if it is not diagnosed and managed in a timely manner. They advise patients to avoid contact with others and visit health centres for proper diagnosis and care. According to doctors, mumps is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, and occurs in both children and adults. Fever, headache, loss of appetite, weakness, chills and swelling of the salivary glands around the ears are among its symptoms. Dozens of mumps cases registered at two Kabul hospitals Dr. Khair Sahak, director of the Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, told Pajhwok Afghan News that 50 confirmed cases of mumps had been registered at the hospital since the beginning of the current solar year, compared with 25 cases throughout the previous year. Similarly, Dr. Basir Shahab, director of the Ataturk National Children’s Hospital, said eight confirmed cases had been registered there since the beginning of the current year, compared with 15 cases throughout the previous year. The doctors said some people suffering from mumps did not visit doctors and instead resorted to self-medication or sought treatment…