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Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1761364
Mumps confirmed in area
Posted By Jenny Potter, The Nugget
Updated 45 mins ago
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has identified one confirmed case of mumps in the district.
The virus causes an infection in the salivary glands and can cause serious illness in adults. Pregnant women who catch the virus in the first trimester are also at a greater risk for miscarriage.
Symptoms include a fever, swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands, a headache, cold-like symptom and swollen and tender testicles in men. Those exhibiting symptoms are asked to seek medical attention.
?If your health care provider suspects you have the mumps, you are to isolate yourself at home for nine days from the onset of symptoms,? Dr. Jim Chirico, acting medical officer of health said in a media release.
The health unit is encouraging people to avoid sharing drinks, food, cigarettes and instruments as the virus is spread through saliva.
There is no treatment for the mumps but it is recommended that children receive two doses of the mumps vaccine. Those born between 1970 and 1990 may have only received one dose.
The last time cases were confirmed in the area was 2007. Then, a small outbreak of four cases prompted the health unit to offer free vaccinations for staff and students of Nipissing University and Canadore College. Before 2007, there hadn?t been been a confirmed case in the area in more than 10 years.
jpotter@nugget.ca
Mumps confirmed in area
Posted By Jenny Potter, The Nugget
Updated 45 mins ago
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has identified one confirmed case of mumps in the district.
The virus causes an infection in the salivary glands and can cause serious illness in adults. Pregnant women who catch the virus in the first trimester are also at a greater risk for miscarriage.
Symptoms include a fever, swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands, a headache, cold-like symptom and swollen and tender testicles in men. Those exhibiting symptoms are asked to seek medical attention.
?If your health care provider suspects you have the mumps, you are to isolate yourself at home for nine days from the onset of symptoms,? Dr. Jim Chirico, acting medical officer of health said in a media release.
The health unit is encouraging people to avoid sharing drinks, food, cigarettes and instruments as the virus is spread through saliva.
There is no treatment for the mumps but it is recommended that children receive two doses of the mumps vaccine. Those born between 1970 and 1990 may have only received one dose.
The last time cases were confirmed in the area was 2007. Then, a small outbreak of four cases prompted the health unit to offer free vaccinations for staff and students of Nipissing University and Canadore College. Before 2007, there hadn?t been been a confirmed case in the area in more than 10 years.
jpotter@nugget.ca