While there is no need to hit the panic button, information regarding the mumps virus is circulating.

In 2017 there have been 21 confirmed mumps cases throughout the entire province of Alberta, with 3 of those cases occurring in Calgary. While numbers do not appear staggering. Dr. Judy MacDonald, AHS, Medical Officer of Health, says in 2016 there were 8 cases and 2015 only 4.

"What that does show is that there is variation every year in the number of cases and this year it looks like we have more cases than in the last couple years, that is reflective of the population that perhaps isn't as well protected against mumps."

While there is no one contributing factor to the increase Dr. MacDonald says it could be because people are behind in their vaccinations or choosing not to vaccinate at all, but if introduced into a community that has a large number of susceptible people it doesn't take long to take off. The last time we saw a large outbreak was in 2007/2008 when there was roughly 500-600 reported cases.

Generally the signs and symptoms of mumps are as follows:

  • low grade fever
  • headache
  • muscles aches and pain
  • (in most cases) swelling of the salivary glands along the base of the jaw

If symptoms are present, Dr. MacDonald suggest staying at home and call Health Link or your physician for assessment. In some cases, mumps may be asymptomatic which is why it is extremely important to be immunized.

"It is a live vaccine, so there are people who cannot safely get a live vaccine; certainly children under 12 months of age, people that are immune compromised, and pregnant women if they are not immune, can't get this vaccine. That is why it is important to protect those individuals that the rest of us (population) check into your own immunization status and make sure you're up to date; not only for yourself, your family, but others in the community."

Besides being vaccinated, Dr. MacDonald says try to avoid the the spread by not sharing things that have had someone's saliva on them because the mumps virus is in saliva. If you are feeling unwell; wash your hands frequently, cover up when you cough and sneeze, and above all stay home.