The first cases of mumps were confirmed in Saskatchewan this week, with a couple cases still under investigation.

Mumps has also been reported across Canada within professional sports teams and younger adults in Eastern Canada.

No cases have been reported in the Cypress Health Region.

Dr. Maurice Hennink, a Deputy Medical Health Officer in southern Saskatchewan shares if a significant number of individuals in a community are not immune to the mumps, the respiratory virus can easily spread.

"The mumps virus, if it is introduced by somebody who is shedding it at the time, can very easily then spread from that individual who's shedding it to people who are susceptible and then we do see the mumps start coming back," Dr. Hennink said.

"That combination of factors probably plays a role, that while every now and then, every three or four years, five years maybe, we do see a sudden surge in the mumps cases that are reported across the country and then susceptible people, in particular, can pick it up."

The mumps virus is said to be slow moving; you are infectious for about five to six days before symptoms start to show.

Dr. Hennink advises the following:

  • Ensure you have two doses of the mumps vaccine, especially those born after 1990
  • Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
  • Clean surfaces that you frequently touch
  • On sports teams: avoid sharing of personal items, water bottles and utensils
  • In social circumstances: avoid sharing of drinking containers, lipsticks, cigarettes, etc.

Symptoms are typically mild and occur two to three weeks following exposure to the virus. They include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling of the cheek and jawline (due to swelling of salivary glands)

Dr. Hennink said with the proper treatment, symptoms will resolve within five to seven days and patients with the virus usually recover quite well.

His advice to anyone who suspects they may have mumps is to pre-arrange your assessment with a doctor. It will help you avoid lengthy wait times and will help reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus in the waiting room.