Mumps confirmed in the area

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has identified one laboratory confirmed positive case of mumps in our district.

The Health Unit advises anyone with the following symptoms to contact their health care provider immediately:

fever
swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands
headache
cold-like symptoms
men may have swollen and tender testicles

In adults, mumps is more likely to cause serious illnesses. As well, pregnant women who become infected during their first trimester are at greater risk for miscarriage.

Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands that is caused by a virus. It is spread from person-to-person when infected saliva or droplets enter a person’s mouth or nose from a sneeze or cough. Other activities such as sharing drinks, food, cigarettes, musical instruments, or from kissing the affected person may also spread the virus.
“If your healthcare provider suspects you have mumps, you are to isolate yourself at home for nine days from the onset of symptoms,” said Dr. Jim Chirico, Acting Medical Officer of Health.

There is no treatment for mumps. To prevent the spread of the disease to others, wash hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items that come in contact with saliva.
It is recommended that all children in Ontario receive two doses of vaccine for Mumps (MMR). Those born between 1970 and 1990 may have only received one dose.

For more information about mumps, contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, or visit the following websites:

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit: www.healthunit.biz

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

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