Officials with Dalhousie University report being notified by Nova Scotia health officials of  two confirmed cases of mumps at Dalhousie University, as well as other suspect and confirmed cases in the Halifax area with links to the university.

Mumps/THD
Mumps/THD

Mumps is caused by a virus. It is spread through direct and indirect contact with infected discharge from the nose and throat, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes on or near another person, or when an infected person shares food or drink with others.

Symptoms of mumps typically appear two to three weeks after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include swelling and pain in the glands at the angle of the jaw, fever, headache, and aching muscles and joints. More severe symptoms, such as severe headache, stiff neck, painful or swollen testicles, or severe abdominal pain, may also occur and should be assessed by a physician right away.

Mumps can be prevented through vaccination. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent mumps, and is available at no cost through your family doctor.

You should also avoid sharing food and drinks with others.