The David Thompson Health Region has resumed mumps vaccinations to young adults who are believed to be the most at risk for catching the disease.
“We have had 17 cases within our region in the last four weeks,” said Dr. Martin Lavoie, medical officer of health in a DTHR press release. “It seems that the number of cases of this potentially-serious disease within the province is declining. However, even as it appears the greatest danger has passed, there are many young people who remain susceptible to mumps and it is important for them to be immunized before any further outbreaks occur.”
There will be a clinic held in Ponoka on May 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and June 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the local health office. Appointments are required, for more information contact Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465
There have been more than 490 cases of mumps reported across the province since the fall of 2007. In the two previous years there were only 14 cases reported. Since the outbreak started the majority of cases have been in the Chinook region.
Mumps is a highly contagious viral illness that results in fever, respiratory symptoms, swelling and tenderness of one or both of the parotid glands (located in the front of the ears and below the cheekbones). The symptoms appear two to three weeks after contact with the mumps virus and some people experience mild illness and unknowingly spread the disease. Mumps can also cause inflammation of the testes or ovaries that may lead to infertility as well as meningitis and more serious infections of the brain.
DTHR offered mumps immunizations in the fall of 2007 to college and university students. In December of 2007 the immunization program was offered to other high-risk groups before being suspended after allergic reactions to the vaccine.
DTHR is offering the vaccine to high risk groups including: adults born in and between 1980 to 1990 who have not previously had the mumps disease or received two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, residents of Alberta work camps born in or after 1970 or post-secondary students born in or after 1970.
Mumps can be prevented through frequent hand washing and avoiding sharing items such as water bottles, cigarettes, lipgloss, toothbrushes, drinking glasses, candy and food.