North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release ******************** The health unit is holding one more Mumps Immunization Clinic for any staff, students or faculty of Canadore College or Nipissing University in North Bay on Tuesday, October
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release
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The health unit is holding one more Mumps Immunization Clinic for any staff, students or faculty of Canadore College or Nipissing University in North Bay on Tuesday, October 16, from 10 am to 2 pm. This clinic will be held in the faculty/staff lounge off the main cafeteria at the Canadore/Nipissing Main campus in North Bay. Only those who are student, staff or faculty at Canadore College or Nipissing University in North Bay are eligible to receive the vaccine and must bring their ID from the College or University.
“The five clinics held so far have been very successful, with over 1,100 students, faculty and staff receiving their immunization.” said Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health. “However, some people are away this week and we want to be sure everyone has had a chance to be immunized against mumps; therefore, we are holding another clinic next Tuesday, October 16.”
If students are from outside the district, they should bring their yellow immunization booklets to the clinic. If they attended elementary/high school in this district, their immunization records will be available at the Mumps Clinics.
Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands that is caused by a virus. It is spread from person-to-person when infected respiratory droplets or saliva enters a person’s mouth from sneezing or coughing. Other activities such as sharing drinks, food, cigarettes, musical instruments, or from kissing the affected person may also spread the virus.
Symptoms of mumps may include fever, swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands, headache, and cold-like symptoms. For men, less common symptoms could be swollen and tender testicles. In adults, mumps is more likely to cause serious illnesses and pregnant women who become infected during their first trimester are at greater risk for miscarriage.
There is no treatment for mumps. It is recommended that all children in Ontario receive two doses of vaccine for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). To prevent the spread of disease, avoid sharing personal items that come in contact with saliva and wash your hands frequently.
For more information about mumps, contact the Health Unit at 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808, or visit the following websites:
• North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit: www.nbpsdhu.ca
• Ministry of Health and Long Term Care: www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/disease/mumps.html
• Public Health Agency of Canada: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/mumps-oreillons/index.html
