The Northwestern Health Unit is treating recent cases of mumps across the region as an outbreak.
Manager of Infectious Disease Donna Stanley says right now, it’s halfway in-between.
However, she says with all of the travel with youth sports and other activities, they feel the risk is regional, despite not seeing outbreak numbers.
Stanley says the best way to stay protected is getting the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine.
She notes it can be 75-95% effective in preventing mumps.
Stanley adds the more people who get the vaccine, the less likely it will spread across the region.
She also recommends regular hand washing, using hand sanitizer, not sharing water bottles, straws, cigarettes, or anything else that may have saliva.
Vaccines are available at all doctors offices as well as Health Unit offices, where you can also check to see if you are up-to-date on your shots.
Stanley notes mumps activity across North America has been increasing over the years, due in part to fewer people getting immunized.
The symptoms of mumps are swollen painful cheeks and neck, fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness and loss of appetite.
Stanley adds if you are sick, stay home from work and school and avoid public places.
School aged children, those involved with sports teams, and anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated are at the greatest risk of contracting mumps.
