NZ: 2019 Mumps

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new...-in-hamilton-most-exposed-during-single-night

Twelve confirmed cases of mumps in Hamilton - most exposed during single night out
2:25AM

Hamilton has 12 confirmed cases of mumps - three of the cases are Waikato University students who were exposed to an infected person at the same location on Hood Street last month.

Eleven of the cases got sick within a week of one-another.

“These are significant numbers," said Dr Richard Hoskins in a statement from the Waikato DHB...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://thespinoff.co.nz/science/26-11-2019/highly-contagious-mumps-outbreak-hitting-auckland-gyms/

Highly contagious mumps outbreak hitting Auckland gyms
Josie Adams | Staff Writer

Last year saw the largest mumps outbreak in two decades across Auckland. Now a new outbreak suggests the disease may be back on the rise.

There’s a new outbreak of the highly contagious viral disease mumps across the Auckland region, with localised clusters of cases diagnosed in Howick, Pakuranga, Auckland Central and Ponsonby. The point of origin is unknown.

In its announcement, the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) noted that those affected included gym instructors working in community facilities across Auckland. The ARPHS pointed out that gym instructors are “generally young adults who have lower vaccination rates and who also tend to mix and move between gyms”.

Spokesperson Dr Denise Barnfather told The Spinoff the incidence of mumps in gym instructors is significant because they have high levels of interaction in confined spaces. “This means there is a risk here to people we don’t know. Most other people who have caught mumps this year have exposed others who can be contacted – their workmates, classmates, friends or family members.”

Those diagnosed with mumps are usually able to let close contacts know, so they can check their immunity. This isn’t as easy in a gym environment...