Western Health reports second case of mumps in Stephenville

Western Health has identified a second confirmed case of mumps in the Stephenville area.

The case identified Friday is the child of the previously identified mumps case earlier this month.

"Due to the nature of close household contact and the fact that the mumps vaccine has a failure rate of about five per cent, even with two doses, this is not entirely unexpected." said Dr. Greg Mercer, Western Health's medical officer of health.

Western Health has taken precautions to prevent any further spread of this second confirmed mumps infection.

"We have double-checked the vaccination status of schoolmates of this child and have offered vaccine to children who haven't had a second dose of the mumps vaccine," said Mercer. "We have also offered vaccine to teachers and support staff at Stephenville Primary who were born from January 1970 to November 1973, as this is the group in this province we consider to be non-immune."

The outbreak activity remains centred around Nova Scotia and New Brunswick localities. All cases reported are either linked to the cases in the Maritimes or are close contacts of these cases. There are no other confirmed cases of Mumps in Newfoundland and Labrador at this point.

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to a case of mumps or anyone who develops symptoms compatible with mumps, including swelling in the jaw area, should stay at home and contact their physician or public health office by telephone for further information.

Western Health recommends people reduce risk of exposure to mumps as well as other infections by the following: good hand washing, avoid sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.

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