Cases of Mumps are being reported in other provinces, but so far, there are no alarming numbers in New Brunswick.
Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health Cristin Muecke says we’ve seen a couple of cases of Mumps in New Brunswick, but that’s not unusual. A couple of cases here and there is to be expected, but she says with cases being reported in other provinces, it is always a good time for a reminder about immunization, “For kids today, it is mandatory to have both doses of vaccine, unless there is a medical indication or ethical objection.”
Muecke says children receive their first mumps vaccine at 12 and 18 months. She says cases have dropped by 99 per cent since they introduced the vaccine.
It was originally introduced as a one dose vaccine, but it was later realized that a second dose would beneficial. Muecke adds that many of the cases of Mumps they are seeing, are individuals who may not have received that second vaccination.
Symptoms of the Mumps include fever, achy feeling and a swelling of the jaw. Muecke says it is recommended that you receive a diagnosis from your doctor to ensure it is mumps.
If you do get mumps, you should be aware that they are contagious.
