The cases of mumps in Manitoba has exploded since the province first reported on the outbreak earlier this fall.
The majority of cases, in people between the ages of 17 to 29, remain on post-secondary campuses within Winnipeg. The University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg and Université de St. Boniface have seen the most cases, but some are not connected to these sites.
Manitoba typically experiences four to five cases of mumps every year. Between September 1 and December 8, 61 cases have been reported in Manitoba.
The mumps virus can be passed on to others when an infected person passes fluids from the mouth and nose to another by sharing drinks, food or cigarettes, by kissing, by coughing or sneezing within a few feet of another person.
To reduce the spread of mumps, people should:
• wash their hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available,
• avoid sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils,
• cover coughs and sneezes with the forearm or a tissue, and
• stay home when sick.
People who think they might have mumps, or have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with mumps, should phone their health-care provider or phone Health Links–Info Santé at (204) 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for more information.
