17 October 2007

Health advisory - increase in mumps

NSW Health has today issued a health advisory to the community to be alert for the symptoms of mumps amid an increase in the number of cases.

Director of Communicable Disease for NSW Health, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said there have been 148 reported cases of mumps so far this year* compared to 153 in total for 2006. In 2001, there were just 28 cases reported and only 35 cases in 2003.

Dr McAnulty said initial symptoms of mumps include:

• fever
• loss of appetite
• tiredness and headache followed by
• swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands, especially near the angle of the jaw.

"To prevent the spread of mumps, children and young adults should have had two doses of the MMR vaccine," Dr McAnulty said.

"People diagnosed with mumps should stay at home for nine days after the onset of swelling of the salivary glands.

"Complications from the mumps can include swelling of the testicles in older males, and rarely inflammation of the brain, the lining of the brain and spinal cord, pancreatitis and hearing loss.

"Although very rare, mumps can also cause sterility in males.

"Mumps is spread via respiratory droplets or from person to person via direct contact with infected saliva.

"Symptoms begin two to three weeks after exposure to an infectious person. People are infectious for up to nine days after swelling of the salivary glands begins," Dr McAnulty said.

Dr McAnulty said people born during or after 1966 who have not had two doses of vaccine are more at risk and should be vaccinated with the MMR (Measles Mumps and Rubella) vaccine.

"Many people in their 20s, 30s and early 40s will not be immune, so its particularly important they check their status with their doctor and get a shot if they are not sure," Dr McAnulty said.

"Parents should ensure that their children are vaccinated on time.

"Immunisation is the best protection against mumps. Children should be vaccinated with MMR vaccine at 12 months and again when they turn four years of age," he said.

For further information please contact your local Public Health Unit or visit the fact sheet on the NSW Health website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/mumps.html

* As at September 30, 2007

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au