This is an update to my previous blog Four Cases of Contagious Mumps in the Staff of a Toronto Restaurant.
Toronto Public Health’s continuing investigation is reporting today that there have been nine confirmed cases of mumps since July 20, 2011.
Here are some commonalities of these nine cases of mumps in Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
- All are connected to Ki Restaurant at 181 Bay St. in Toronto
- Three additional individuals with mumps signs and symptoms are under investigation, including two restaurant patrons and one restaurant staff person
- The time period when patrons may have been exposed to mumps has expanded to any time between July 7 and July 22
Although the risk to Ki Restaurant patrons is low, if you were at the restaurant during that time, please watch for the following symptoms of mumps, which could occur up to and including August 17, and as early as 12 days after being exposed:
- swelling and pain in one or more salivary glands (sides of the cheeks and jaw),
- fever,
- headache,
- muscle aches and pains,
- fatigue and
- loss of appetite.
Also, please note that “persons who have not been vaccinated against mumps or have received only one dose of vaccine are still at risk” because two doses of mumps vaccine (given as combined “MMR” – measles, mumps and rubella – vaccine) are required for best protection.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
News Release
July 26, 2011
Mumps investigation in Toronto continues
Toronto Public Health continues to investigate a mumps outbreak. Nine confirmed cases have been reported since July 20. All are connected to Ki Restaurant at 181 Bay St. in Toronto. Three additional individuals with mumps signs and symptoms are under investigation, including two restaurant patrons and one restaurant staff person.
The risk to Ki Restaurant patrons is low. The time period when patrons may have been exposed to mumps has expanded to any time between July 7 and July 22. People who were at the restaurant during that time should watch for symptoms of mumps, which could occur up to and including August 17. A person can get sick as early as 12 days after being exposed.
Symptoms include swelling and pain in one or more salivary glands (sides of the cheeks and jaw), fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Mumps is not a common illness in Toronto. Most people are immune because of past infection or because they have been fully vaccinated. Over the past five years, an average of 16 cases a year have been reported in Toronto.
People born before January 1, 1970 are generally considered to be immune. For those born on or after that date, two doses of mumps vaccine (given as combined “MMR” – measles, mumps and rubella – vaccine) are required for best protection. However, those born in Ontario between 1970 and 1992 likely received only one dose and should get another dose.
“Persons who have not been vaccinated against mumps or have received only one dose of vaccine are still at risk. Now is an opportunity to review your immunization history and get an additional dose if you need one to prevent you from getting mumps in the future,” said Dr. Allison Chris, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Toronto Public Health.
Most people who get mumps recover fully within two weeks. Serious illness associated with mumps is rare and includes swelling of the brain (encephalitis), meningitis and orchitis in men (inflammation of the testicles). Women who become infected with mumps during the first three months of pregnancy are at risk of miscarriage.
Mumps can be spread through saliva as a result of activities such as sharing drinks, utensils or cigarettes, and kissing. Additionally, it is spread by coughing and sneezing close to someone else.
For information about the vaccine, please call Toronto Public Health during regular business hours at 416-392-1250. A fact sheet about mumps is available at http://www.toronto.ca/health/cdc/factsheets/mumps_factsheet.htm.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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