Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.newsdurhamregion.com/news/article/143975
Cases of mumps on the rise in Durham
Dec 18, 2009 - 08:54 AM
DURHAM -- The illness of mumps is on the rise in Ontario.
The Durham Health Department has issued a report saying there has been an increase in the number of mumps cases since September. There were 32 confirmed cases as of Dec. 4 in several jurisdictions throughout Ontario.
Most of the cases have been in high school and university students who have come in contact with peers who have contracted mumps, the health department says. In some cases, there's a minor hockey association connection. In four cases, young people were exposed while travelling in New York state or New Jersey.
In 17 cases, those who contracted the disease had not received the measles, mumps, rubella vaccination. In five of the cases, only one shot was received, while six cases had received two doses of the vaccine. The immunization records for the remaining four cases is unknown. The vaccine is a live virus that protects 95 per cent of the people who receive both doses.
"Due to potential living arrangements, post-secondary students are at increased risk for mumps infection and, therefore, remain eligible to receive two doses of MMR vaccine," said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region medical officer of health.
If post-secondary and secondary students haven't received two doses, they can receive a second dose.
The most common symptoms of mumps include fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands, usually the parotid glands (at the angle of the jaw). Other symptoms may include respiratory symptoms, particularly in children five and under. There is no treatment for mumps. Rest, fluids and pain relievers are suggested. An infected person is considered infectious for up to seven days before the swelling appears and up to nine days thereafter. Mumps is transferred from person to person through saliva, coughing, sneezing or indirect contact.
For more information about mumps or the MMR vaccine, call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit www.durham.ca.
Cases of mumps on the rise in Durham
Dec 18, 2009 - 08:54 AM
DURHAM -- The illness of mumps is on the rise in Ontario.
The Durham Health Department has issued a report saying there has been an increase in the number of mumps cases since September. There were 32 confirmed cases as of Dec. 4 in several jurisdictions throughout Ontario.
Most of the cases have been in high school and university students who have come in contact with peers who have contracted mumps, the health department says. In some cases, there's a minor hockey association connection. In four cases, young people were exposed while travelling in New York state or New Jersey.
In 17 cases, those who contracted the disease had not received the measles, mumps, rubella vaccination. In five of the cases, only one shot was received, while six cases had received two doses of the vaccine. The immunization records for the remaining four cases is unknown. The vaccine is a live virus that protects 95 per cent of the people who receive both doses.
"Due to potential living arrangements, post-secondary students are at increased risk for mumps infection and, therefore, remain eligible to receive two doses of MMR vaccine," said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region medical officer of health.
If post-secondary and secondary students haven't received two doses, they can receive a second dose.
The most common symptoms of mumps include fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands, usually the parotid glands (at the angle of the jaw). Other symptoms may include respiratory symptoms, particularly in children five and under. There is no treatment for mumps. Rest, fluids and pain relievers are suggested. An infected person is considered infectious for up to seven days before the swelling appears and up to nine days thereafter. Mumps is transferred from person to person through saliva, coughing, sneezing or indirect contact.
For more information about mumps or the MMR vaccine, call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit www.durham.ca.