Mumps

Mumps, an infection caused by the mumps virus, can cause fever, headache and swelling of the salivary glands around the jaw and cheeks. About 10% of people who get mumps also get meningitis, but mumps meningitis is usually mild. Mumps can also cause encephalitis, leading to permanent brain damage. In rare cases, men with both testicles infected with mumps become sterile.

In the last ten years there have been outbreaks of mumps mostly among young adults in British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Alberta. These outbreaks demonstrate how certain population groups are susceptible to getting mumps due to lack of previous vaccination or incomplete vaccination.

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Public Health Agency of Canada

World Health Organization

Caring for Kids

British Columbia Centre for Disease Control