MUMPS CASES JUMP IN FNQ

Contagious diseases make comeback with tenfold rise on last year’s figure

CASES of the contagious disease mumps have soared by 1000 per cent in the Far North this year.

Authorities have recorded 199 cases in the Cairns health district since the start of 2018, compared to just 19 during the same period last year.

Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Richard Gair said the increased number of mumps conditions were due too improved reporting as well as an increase in cases.

It comes as a suspected case of rubella has been reported to the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, the first for the region since 2006.

While health officials hope to be able to rule out the vaccine-preventable disease after further testing of the patient next week, they have warned Far North Queenslanders to be up to date with their vaccinations.

There has also been a spike in whooping cough aka pertussis with 133 cases reported across the region since the start of the year, compared to the yearly average of 99 cases.

Dr Gair urged people to ensure their vaccinations were current.

“The most effective way to prevent mumps is through vaccination,” he said.

Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Gair said it was important for people of all ages to keep their immunity at effective levels.

“Immunisation reduces the risk of infection and is an important way of protecting both babies and adults from infection,” he said.

“But as people get older, their immunisation protection weakens, so you should ensure your booster vaccinations are up to date.”

Dr Gair said rubella could also be prevented with a free vaccination.

“Rubella is a viral infection and is sometimes called German measles, although it is not related to measles,” he said.

“Most people with rubella experience a mild illness involving fever and rash.

“Pregnant women should ensure they are vaccinated against rubella, as contracting the illness during pregnancy may significantly affect the developing baby.”

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network CEO John Gregg said infectious and potentially fatal diseases such as measles, mumps and diphtheria were still in circulation, and if not vaccinated, children were at risk.

“The overwhelming amount of people in our region do immunise their children,” he said. “Some vulnerable people – particularly sick children or those too young – cannot be vaccinated, however.”