The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is warning the public about increased mumps activity throughout Ontario.
The EOHU has seen two confirmed cases of mumps in its jurisdiction since the beginning of 2017. Across Ontario, there have been 42 cases of confirmed and probable mumps for 2017, compared to 40 cases for all of 2016.
Signs and symptoms of mumps include swelling and pain in one or more salivary glands, fever, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), fatigue and anorexia (loss of appetite). These symptoms can last up to 10 days.
Vaccine Recommendations
Vaccination reduces the risk of getting mumps. It also reduces the risk of complications in individuals who contract the disease. Anyone born in 1970 or later should receive two doses of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine.
However, individuals born between 1970 and 1992 may have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine. It’s therefore recommended that individuals born between these years check their vaccination record. If they only received one dose of the MMR vaccine, or are unsure of their vaccination history, they should receive a booster dose of MMR.
Members of the public can receive a booster dose of the MMR vaccine through their healthcare provider or at the EOHU.
Preventing the spread of mumps
Mumps is a highly contagious disease spread through droplets in the air or direct contact with an infected person. Individuals displaying symptoms should therefore call their healthcare provider. Notifying in advance will ensure your healthcare provider takes the appropriate measures to ensure the disease isn’t transmitted to others. Cases of mumps are reportable to the EOHU.
For more information, call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line, or visit www.EOHU.ca.
