Mumps outbreak spreads across top of the south

Two young people in Nelson have contracted the mumps after an an outbreak in Auckland. Three cases have also been confirmed in Marlborough.

The confirmed cases are the first to hit the region since 2014. Medical officer of health Dr Andrew Lindsay said five cases in the top of the south was unusual.

‘‘Mumps is highly contagious, so it’s likely that any visitors to our region, who are carrying the virus, [will] expose others to it,’’ Lindsay said.

Auckland reported 51 cases of mumps in the past month, while several were recorded in Waikato earlier this year.

The virus was spread through the air by breathing, coughing and sneezing, or through contact with infected saliva; by kissing or sharing food and drink.

It usually took 12 to 25 days before symptoms appeared, and people were contagious for five days after symptoms ceased.

Mumps caused fever, headaches and pain in the jaw, Lindsay said.

‘‘Swelling may then develop in the glands in front of the ear and some men may experience swelling of their testes.’’

Young children infected with mumps could have no symptoms, but would still spread the disease if they caught it, Linsday said.

The virus was ‘‘very contagious’’ and people showing symptoms should isolate themselves and call a doctor.

‘‘If you have any symptoms, contact your doctor or practice nurse for advice and limit your contact with other people. This means staying away from the workplace, early childhood centres and schools.’’

The best way to protect against mumps was vaccination, he said.

‘‘If you or your children have not had their measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations, it is strongly recommended that you get these up-to-date.’’

Buffalo, 6,311 tons, berth only, MCQN; Toll Transfer, berth only, Abel; San Hauraki, 243 tons, repairs only, KQE; Eagle, 1,355 tons, unload fish, LU2; Moon Shadow II, 160 tons, repairs only, Sanfords; Seaworker, 344 tons, Equi; Amaltal Mariner, 555 tons, unload fish, Amatal; Maiden of Milford, 280 tons, Slip; African Bulker, 22,426 tons, logs, KQ; Meridian 1, 4,407 tons, unload fish, load bunkers, LU1. Expected: Yangtze Eternal, 20,969 tons, fertiliser, BQ, today; Otago Bay, 31,787 tons, logs, KQ, today; Kurutai, 199 tons, repairs only, KQE, Saturday; Josephine Maersk, 30,166 tons, containers, MWS, Sunday; Serenity Ace, 57,692 tons, unload vehicles, MCQS, Sunday; Kakariki, 27,795 tons, unload petroleum products, MCQS, Monday; Spirit of Canterbury, 9,910 tons, containers, BQ, Monday; Trans Future 5, 60,414 tons, unload vehicles, load processed forestry, MCQS, Tuesday; MSC Astrid, 35,954 tons, containers, MWS, Tuesday; ANL Echuca, 18,335 tons, containers, BQ, Wednesday.