The mumps outbreak in the Canadian province of Manitoba has seen huge numbers since about a year ago with health officials reporting some 853 confirmed cases reported to Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living since Sept. 1, 2016.
Just through the first six months of 2017, more than 600 cases have been recorded. This is an enormous rise compared to the typical handful of cases reported annually.
While initially the majority of cases were University students between 18 to 29 years of age, living in Winnipeg, or involved with or participate in sports, mumps cases are now being seen in all ages and throughout Manitoba.
Some of the issue is a low vaccination rate in the province. According to Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Richard Rusk, as reported in Global News, “Compared to other provinces, we are on the lower side. Our completion rate is only at about 75 per cent.”
During an outbreak, that rate needs to be above 90 per cent to have ‘herd immunity.’
LISTEN: Mumps: Why it’s seen a resurgence
The mumps outbreak has now caused the cancellation of northern Manitoba wildfire evacuees visit to see the Winnipeg Blue Bombers practice at Investors Group Field.
Dr. Rusk said there has been one lab-confirmed case of mumps reported in a shelter housing evacuees in Brandon, Manitoba.
According to Metro News, more than 500 people fleeing wildfires in Wasagamack, St. Theresa Point and Garden Hill had been scheduled to visit Investors Group Field, eat lunch on the concourse and have a meet-and-greet with Bombers players after the practice.
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