Media Release
Hamilton seeing mumps activity
HAMILTON, ON - March 13, 2017 - Hamilton Public Health Services is seeing increased mumps activity in Hamilton and Ontario. Currently, fewer than 5 cases of mumps have been confirmed in Hamilton, but more could be expected with the outbreak in Toronto and other areas in Canada.
City of Hamilton Public Health is reminding individuals to ensure their mumps vaccine is up to date. People born in 1970 or later should have received at least one-dose of mumps-containing vaccine, with children, adolescents, health care workers and military personnel having 2-doses of vaccine. The mumps vaccine is available as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) or measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccine given according to age. Parents of children attending school are reminded that two doses of mumps vaccine are required under the Immunization for School Pupils Act.
Mumps is an infection caused by a virus. Most often it causes fever and tenderness and swelling the saliva (spit) glands located near the jaw line below the ears. Mumps is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Mumps can also be spread through contact with the saliva of an infected person through kissing, sharing drinking and eating utensils such as cups, straws, forks or spoons. Call your doctor or a walk-in clinic if you think you or your child has mumps.
Quick Facts
You can prevent mumps by getting two vaccines:
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella, or MMR vaccine, given on or after the first birthday
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella, or MMVR vaccine, given between four and six years of age
Additional Resources:
“This is a good reminder for residents to check their vaccination records and ensure their vaccines are up to date in order to reduce the spread of mumps and protect themselves against this infection.”
Dr. Jessica Hopkins
Associate Medical Officer of Health, Director Communicable Disease Control & Wellness
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