Healt Unit confirms 'mumps' are in the district

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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The Health Unit has five laboratory confirmed positive cases of mumps in the district. The five mumps cases include three at Nipissing University, one case at Canadore College and one case at École Secondaire Franco-Cité.

The Health Unit has been closely following unusual mumps activity at the Education Centre since September 2009.

The Health Unit is currently checking vaccination records of students at the affected schools and will vaccinate as needed. Area physicians and hospitals are also being notified.

“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.

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 kissing the affected person may also spread the virus.

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 1992 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:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/vpd-mev/mumps-eng.php

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