Mumps outbreak in Whistler growing, now 11 confirmed cases
Whistler's international population makes it more vulnerable to a mumps outbreak says health official
The total number of mumps cases in Whistler has now increased to 11 after three more people in the B.C. ski resort village were diagnosed with the disease Friday morning.
"It's definitely an outbreak," said Dr. Paul Martiquet of Vancouver Coastal Health. "We're advising everyone who has not had a complete series of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) to avail themselves of it, especially if they were born before 1970."
The escalating numbers of infections has prompted health officials to organize two special vaccination clinics.
The first is today and runs until 2:00 p.m. PT at the Whistler Public Health office, 4380 Lorimer Road. . A second clinic goes Monday, May 16 from 12:00 p.m. PT to 4:00 p.m. PT.
The MMR vaccine is also available from public health units, pharmacists or a family doctor.
Martiquet says the international nature of Whistler's population makes the town more vulnerable to a mumps outbreak.
"It's young people who have come from other countries that simply don't have our immunizations standards. And they've basically provided the stimulus or the nest in which the virus can propagate," he said.
Mumps is a highly contagious viral illness that causes fever and swelling below the jaw and ears, and under the tongue. An infected person can easily spread the virus by coughing, sneezing, and sharing cups or utensils.
Complications can include swelling of the testes in adult males and swelling of the ovaries in adult females, although sterility is a rare outcome. Rare complications include inflammation of the brain (meningitis) and permanent deafness.
"It's concerning. The last outbreak in Whistler in 2011, we had about 70 cases. We're hoping to nip this in the bud by getting the word out," said Martiquet.
To be protected against mumps, you need to have:
- Two doses of mumps containing vaccine if you were born after January 1, 1970
- One dose of vaccine if you were born between January 1, 1957 and December 31, 1969
- If you were born before 1957 or have had mumps infection, you are considered protected.
Martiquet says although the vaccination won't offer immediate protection from the mumps virus, it will kick in fairly quickly.