Not only has mumps risen significantly in the US recently, but our neighbors north of the border in Canada have also seen dramatic increases in some provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
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In Saskatchewan, where they typically report 0-2 cases annually in recent years, which are typically imported from endemic countries or areas experiencing an outbreak. In 2017 to date, health officials in the province have recorded 34 cases.
Health officials report under-immunization or no immunization increases the risk of transmission. Risk increases the longer and the closer a person comes into contact with someone who has mumps.
An immunization coverage rate of 75% to 86% is required to stop/interrupt transmission. Our coverage rates range from 59% (at 13 months) to 89.5% (at 17 years).
LISTEN: Mumps: Canada, the virus and the vaccine and why the comeback
Mumps-containing vaccine (i.e. MMR) was introduced in Saskatchewan in 1979. Individuals born between 1979 and 1990 may have only received one dose.
University students, including international students and athletes, may not have had 2-doses of mumps-containing vaccine, creating conditions for disease transmission.
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