Case of mumps in Hastings Prince Edward

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) has a confirmed case of mumps in the area.
Mumps is a vaccine preventable disease. The most common symptoms include: fever, headache, respiratory symptoms, swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides and muscle aches.

Mumps spreads through direct contact with saliva from an infected person. Droplets can be spread through coughing or sneezing and enter the nose or mouth. Infection can also result from kissing, or by sharing food or beverages. The virus can also survive on surfaces. Touching a surface contaminated by the mumps virus and then touching your nose or mouth can cause infection.

Bill Sherlock, HPEPH program manager, said the best way to protect yourself from mumps is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

“Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended. If you were born before 1970, you are considered to be naturally immune to mumps. People born between 1970 and 1992, have likely only received one dose and should receive a second dose of MMR vaccine.

Talk to your health care provider or call Hastings Prince Edward Public Health if you are unsure of your vaccine status.