New Zealand: Over 1000 suspected mumps cases in Auckland in 2017

Event

An outbreak of mumps is affecting Auckland as of Friday, December 15. Over 1000 suspected and confirmed cases of mumps have been reported in Auckland thus far in 2017. Some 200 cases have been reported from mid-November to mid-December, per reports from Auckland health officials. The spread of the illness has reportedly been fueled by low vaccination rates. Officials expect the outbreak to continue to spread in the coming weeks.

Context

Mumps is an extremely contagious viral disease which is spread via airborne droplets emitted from the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite, followed by the swelling of the salivary (parotid) glands that can lead to difficulties in chewing and swallowing; the disease is asymptomatic in 20 percent of cases. Adult males without immunity are particularly susceptible to a more severe forms of mumps.

Advice

Individuals in or planning to travel to New Zealand, particularly to Auckland, are advised to verify that their mumps vaccination and any necessary booster shots are up to date and to take hygienic precautions.