Mumps Makes A Come Back In Canada
Mumps may be described as an acute viral disease accompanied by symptoms such as fever, swelling, and fatigue. The virus may be spread by direct contact or inhaling of fluids from an infected person’s nose or mouth. Most often, children or teens acquire the disease. Complications in adults could be more serious with possible effects such as deafness and sterility; sometimes, death can occur, although it is rare.
With a vaccine in use about 40 years ago, mumps has become increasingly rare. Before the vaccine was introduced, viral meningitis was attributed to mumps. Approximately 40 percent of people infected with the mumps virus develop acute parotitits. Among half of those who are infected may develop respiratory problems or other nonspecific symptoms. In rare cases, mumps meningoencephalitis could end up in permanent neurological problems such as paralysis, seizures, cranial nerve palsies and hydrocephalus. In the case of pregnancy, catching mumps in the first trimester could increase the rate of a spontaneous abortion. Since the advent of a vaccine in 1969, reported cases of mumps have gone down by 99 percent. Furthermore, after a second dose of MMR, a further decrease was noted.
Looking specifically at Canada, widespread outbreaks have been few in number. However, three outbreaks did occur between 2001 and 2005. The first outbreak took place in Alberta, where the community was under-vaccinated. Two other outbreaks were also noted in Nova Scotia in the spring and fall of 2005. Around the world, an ongoing outbreak was reported in Britain from 2004 to 2006.
The recent outbreak that was reported took place in Nova Scotia as well. It has affected 203 individuals. However, it also appears to be spreading to Central Canada, Ontario – reporting three cases in Ottawa, York and Waterloo. New Brunswick was found to have 34 cases while Prince Edward Island had just one.
Medical authorities in Canada are discussing options for a national strategy to contain the outbreaks. Individuals who are born between 1970 and 1992 appear to have more of a chance of contracting the virus since the immunization given during that period may not have had sufficient protection against measles. Some of the symptoms to be on the watch include swollen glands, and other flu symptoms. The virus can be spread by coughing, sneezing, sharing food, and kissing. The virus is contagious for about 7 days before symptoms show and about nine days after symptoms have gone.
Canada’s public health agency has warned travelers to check that their shots have been updated after a mumps outbreak in the U.S.- specifically in the Midwest. A travel advisory has been placed to the most seriously affected states. So far, nine states have been reported to carry the virus. Along with Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Missouri are known to hold the virus. In April, a hospital in Hamilton, Ontario reported a man who visited Iowa as having mumps.
The concern among health officials about many of these patients who are infected, is that they have had two-dose vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella. An infectious disease specialist, Dr. Neil Rau says, it is probable that individuals lose their immunity to the virus after vaccination.
Some precautions to prevent spread of the mumps virus include these steps: Cover your mouth while coughing, wash your hands often, do not share knives and forks, etc. The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations in Canada suggests that all children should be immunized against measles, mumps and rubella by the time they are a year old.