Canada: Various ongoing mumps outbreaks /update 2

Event

Mumps outbreaks are ongoing in various areas of the country, most notably in Manitoba province, where 345 cases were confirmed between September 1, 2016, and April 28, 2017. To compare, the province typically sees four to eight cases in any given year. Health officials expect these numbers to continue to rise over the next month, potentially topping 600 total cases. 

Cases have also been reported in Saskatchewan (34 this year), Alberta (65), and the city of Toronto (at least 62 as of late March). At least one case was also confirmed in the Niagara Falls area.

Context

Mumps outbreaks are rare in Canada due to the availability of an effective vaccine. Mumps is an extremely contagious viral disease that is most common during the winter months. The disease is spread via airborne droplets emitted from the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms, which generally appear between 12 and 25 days following infection, may include fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite, followed by a swelling of the parotid glands that can lead to difficulties in chewing and swallowing; the disease is asymptomatic in 20 percent of cases. Adult males are particularly susceptible to a more severe forms of mumps.

Advice

Individuals in or planning to travel to the above areas are advised to verify their mumps vaccination is up to date and to take hygienic precautions.