Mumps spread in health region
Published: August 23, 2008 12:00 PM
Updated: August 25, 2008 11:21 AM
A mumps outbreak that started in Chilliwack is now spreading across the Lower Mainland, prompting a health warning. Fraser Health has so far recorded 113 confirmed cases, with at least 70 more suspected.
And that’s likely only the tip of the iceberg, says medical health officer Dr. Gillian Arsenault, who likens the virus to a stealth bomber that flies under the radar.
“By the time people recognize the symptoms and we confirm a case, the virus has been in the community for anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months and is moving on to infect others,” she said.
The virus came to Canada from the U.S. and has moved west all the way from the Maritimes.
“It’s coming soon to a community near you if it isn’t there already,” Arsenault said.
The virus attacks the glands but it can be considerably worse than the classic sore throat and swollen cheeks experienced by children.
Adults after puberty — particularly university students — can be hardest hit. Men can suffer severely swollen testicles that may shrink permanently when the infection ends, causing fertility problems.
“Alberta has a poster of flaming basketballs and guys say that’s exactly what it feels like,” Arsenault said.
Salivary glands, ovaries, breasts and the pancreas can also be infected. In rare cases, brain inflammation can kill.
Arsenault’s advice: Make sure your immunizations are up to date and don’t share spit. Sports team members should each have their own water bottle. Items from lipstick to cigarettes shouldn’t be shared either.
“If it’s got fresh spit on it, don’t share it,” she said. “Kiss somebody only if it’s somebody really close to you.”
Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, she added.
A third of people infected with mumps have no symptoms, another third experience cold-like symptoms, while the remaining third get tell-tale glandular inflammations.
Those most at risk are people who have never been vaccinated or who were vaccinated long ago.
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