By CHAT News Today

AHS expands mumps outbreak to all of Edmonton zone

Mar 28, 2017 | 3:07 PM

EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services is expanding the scope of the mumps outbreak in Alberta to include the entire Edmonton area, due to an increase in the number of cases.

The outbreak was previously limited to the University of Alberta. To date, 51 cases of mumps have been confirmed, with 24 cases alone in Edmonton. Mumps outbreaks have been reported in Manitoba and Saskatchewan this year.

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can often cause swelling and pain in the glands of the jaw. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and loss of appetite. Symptoms can appear 14-25 days following initial infection.

The virus can be spread by coughing, sneezing or being in contact with an infected person’s saliva.

For the duration of the outbreak, all people who live, work or go to school in Edmonton and were born in or after 1970 can receive up to two free doses of the vaccine.

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Individuals who have already had two documented doses of this vaccine do not require any additional doses. Those born before 1970 are assumed to be immune due to the fact that mumps was extremely common prior to vaccine being available, according to AHS.