Mumps outbreak prompts alert, call to make sure vaccinations up to date
REGINA — A mumps outbreak in Manitoba has reached the highest number of cases in two decades and that’s causing concern in neighbouring Saskatchewan.
Manitoba Health says there have been 176 confirmed cases of mumps in the province since September and up to last Friday.
“Normally, we do have between four and maybe eight in a bad year and so, yes, that’s why we’re classifying this as an outbreak,” Dr. Richard Rusk, Manitoba’s medical officer of health for communicable diseases, said Tuesday.
“But as soon as it goes to the community, that’s where it becomes that little bit more risky that it can spread.”