Mumps breaks out in the Hat; Tigers among the infected

An outbreak of mumps in Medicine Hat has been confirmed by Alberta Health Services.

“There are six cases that we’re aware of,” said Dr. Vivien Suttorp, south zone medical officer of health. “They have all been diagnosed this week.”

Two members of the Medicine Hat Tigers organization have been diagnosed with mumps. Tigers’ staff immediately took steps to prevent further spread of the virus (See story on Page A10).

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, given initially at the age of one and then followed by a booster shot between the ages of four and six, is effective and safe, said Suttorp. This provides protection to children and as they grown into adulthood.

“Having said that there is no vaccine that is 100 per cent effective,” said Suttorp.

There may be cases where they had only one dose, which gives 95 per cent protection, said Suttorp. Unlike a flu vaccine the one of measles, mumps and rubella is consistent and good throughout life.

“In rare cases, somebody who is immunized can still get sick — very rarely,” said Suttorp. “In general, since they introduced mumps vaccine there’s a significant decrease in mumps and complications in the developing world, in Alberta, in Canada.”

Mumps is spread through droplets. You have to share saliva with somebody and this would include sharing a bottle or sandwich or someone sneezing on you, said Suttorp.

It can take 15 to 25 days for symptoms to develop. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, a low-grade fever and then gland swelling under the chin and corner of the jaw, said Suttorp. The gland swelling is the common hallmark feature and it can hurt. The glands can swell on both sides of the face or only on one side.

It can also actually spread further to areas that are glandular like the pancreas, testicles, ovaries and can also lead to infertility, said Suttorp. Prior to immunization there were cases of deafness as a result of mumps.

“Complications of mumps is more severe in adults than it is in children,” said Suttorp.

If you think you have been exposed, it is a case of watchful waiting. There is no treatment, there is nothing you can do in the meantime, said Suttorp.

If you develop symptoms stay home, call Health Link or your family doctor. Make sure you wash your hands properly and cough into your sleeve.

Suttorp says it is a good time to make sure you are immunized.