A child in Niagara has contracted mumps.
Associate Medical Officer of Health at Niagara Public Health Mustafa Hirji telling CKTB the child contracted the viral infection outside of the region.
Mumps has been spreading in the GTA for the past few months.
Hirji saying that mumps is now rearing its head in Niagara, and more cases are likely.
Hirji saying mumps is a viral infection of the salivary glands, that is spread person-to-person through coughing, sneezing, talking or coming into contact with a person’s saliva (i.e. sharing drinks and food, kissing).
Symptoms include fever, swelling and pain in one or more salivary glands (sides of cheeks and jaw), headache, muscle aches and fatigue.
Since mumps is now circulating in Niagara, and easily spreads from person to person, Public Health is urging all residents to have their vaccination up to date.
Children require 2 doses with the 1st dose given on or after child's first birthday, and the 2nd dose given between ages four and six years.
For adults, one dose should be given if not protected against measles, mumps, or rubella (i.e. if did not have all three infections earlier in life) and 2 doses of MMR for health care workers, military personnel or students in post-secondary school.
Pregnant women should receive MMR vaccine as soon as they are no longer pregnant if not immune to rubella OR have not received 2 doses of MMR and are not immune.
Travellers who are going outside North America should have 2 doses if born in 1970 or later, or 1 dose if born before 1970.
Vaccinations are available through your doctor, walk-in clinic or a Public Health clinic.
For more information about mumps or to find a Public Health clinic, please visit www.niagararegion.ca/health, call 905-688-8248 ext. 7330, or 1-888-505-6074.