Mumps makes a comeback Canada

May 7 2007

Health officials in Canada are concerned about an outbreak of mumps which appears to be spreading.

The outbreak in Nova Scotia has now infected 203 people and has now reached Central Canada, with Ontario reporting three confirmed cases in Ottawa, York and Waterloo which have been directly linked to the Nova Scotia outbreak; five other suspected cases are under investigation.

To date New Brunswick has reported 34 cases and Prince Edward Island has had one confirmed case.

Dalhousie University in Halifax, has been found to be a hotspot for the virus and health officials are contemplating implementing a vaccination program there for university students and health care workers.

Medical officials are calling for a national strategy to deal with such outbreaks, which are difficult to contain; they say a co-ordinated a national effort is needed which they are now discussing with the Public Health Agency.

It appears that people born between 1970 and 1992 are most at risk as it seems immunizations given then as part of the triple mumps, measles and rubella shot has not provided enough protection for some people.

The mumps virus can be very dangerous; those who contract the virus can experience swollen glands along with other flu like symptoms, but the virus can also cause sterility, deafness and viral meningitis.

Mumps is spread by coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks and food, and kissing, and is contagious for as long as seven days before symptoms appear, and up to nine days after.