The Middlesex-London Health Unit was notified on Tuesday this week that mumps may be making the rounds of downtown establishments. The Health Unit learned of two cases of mumps among people who visit bars in London’s core. While the two cases are connected, it is unclear whether more people may have been infected. Public health officials are advising those who attend bars downtown to monitor themselves for the signs and symptoms of mumps, which include fever and swelling of the jaw or cheeks. Anyone who develops symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for follow up.

The situation also provides an opportunity to remind people to check their immunization status in order to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date. It is recommended that anyone between the ages of 18 months and 50 years old receive two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations. A second dose may be particularly beneficial for adults born between 1970 and 1991, who only received one MMR shot routinely as children.

“We want to get the word out to people who may have headed downtown to enjoy the nightlife recently, that they may have been exposed to the mumps virus unknowingly. They should watch themselves closely for the development of symptoms,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Anyone who develops a fever, headaches, muscles aches, fatigue and or swelling or pain near the jaw or cheeks should stay home and contact their health care provider first before seeking care.”

While those born before 1970 are generally felt to have already had mumps and are immune, it is suggested that those born between 1970 and 1991 receive a booster dose of MMR vaccine if they have not already done so.

Most people who contract mumps recover from their illness, however mumps infections can result in complications including infections of the brain, the lining of the brain (meningitis), ovaries, breasts or pancreas. Deafness can be a rare complication. One in three men infected with mumps develops an infection in their testicles, which can, in rare cases, result in infertility. Pregnant women who get mumps during the first trimester are at increased risk of miscarriage.

For more information about mumps, please visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s website at www.healthunit.com/infectious-diseases.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)

Spokespeople:
Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit