Health officials: Mumps Cases on the Rise in Manitoba

The provincial government is warning about an outbreak of mumps that seems to be largely relegated to post-secondary students.

Between Sept. 1 and Dec. 8, there were 61 cases of mumps reported in Manitoba, up from the usual four to five cases per year.

The province said the majority of the people infected are between the ages 17 and 29 years of age. They are also students connected to the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and University of St. Boniface.

With the holiday season approaching, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said students returning home or attending events could spread the illness throughout the province and elsewhere.

They said to reduce the spread people should wash their hands often, avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when they are sick.

Agencies/Canadajournal