Mumps outbreak in Manitoba as cases double

Nine cases of mumps have been reported in Manitoba since the start of September, doubling the usual number in a year.

The majority of those affected are students at the University of Manitoba who live in Winnipeg and were not hospitalized, provincial public health officials said, adding Manitoba typically experiences four or five cases every year.

John Danakas, spokesperson for the U of M, said there’s been four confirmed cases on campus and the affected people “have been isolated.”

“This means they have been asked to stay at home,” he said.

The neck of a young child shows the characteristic swelling of mumps, due to enlargement of the salivary glands. (Manitoba Health)

Two of those confirmed to be sick are players with the Bisons football team. Those players won’t be travelling with the team to games this weekend, Danakas said.

Winnipeg Regional Health Authority public health officials are investigating each mumps case and identifying people who came into contact with the affected individuals, a Manitoba Health news release says.

“Where appropriate, people will be offered immunization,” the release states.

“Individuals with mumps will be asked to restrict their contact with others to reduce the possible spread of mumps. Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation in Manitoba and will provide updated information as necessary.”

• Mumps strikes on University of Manitoba campus

Although there can be rare complications from mumps, the vast majority of cases are mild, with full recovery in one to two weeks, health officials say.

 Key symptoms include swelling and pain in one or more salivary glands, usually on both sides of the face, as well as a  fever. Headaches and muscle aches are also usually associated with the virus.

FYI on mumps

• The mumps virus can be passed on to others when an infected person passes fluids from the mouth and nose to another by sharing drinks, food or cigarettes, by kissing or by coughing or sneezing within a few feet of another person.
• The mumps virus can be spread to others from two to three days before and four to five days after symptoms appear.
• Some people infected with mumps may not have any symptoms but can still spread the virus to other people.
• After exposure, it can take 25 days before a person develops symptoms.
• A person who develops symptoms or signs of mumps should limit contact with others for five days and contact their health provider.

In Manitoba, a two-dose measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine program was introduced in 1996. Protection against mumps is offered free of charge as part of Manitoba’s routine immunization schedule at 12 months of age and again at four to six years of age.

Manitobans are urged to contact their health-care providers to determine whether they require the vaccine.

People who think they might have mumps or who have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with mumps should phone their health-care providers or phone Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for more information.

If visiting a physician or health-care provider, it is best to call ahead and make an appointment so health-care staff can take steps to reduce exposure of other people to the virus.

To reduce the spread of mumps, people should:

• Wash their hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with the forearm or a tissue.
• Stay home when sick.

More information about mumps can be found on the Manitoba Health website.