Alberta Health Services said Tuesday that the number of mumps cases in Edmonton had grown to two dozen.
Officials said of the 51 mumps cases in Alberta, 24 were in Edmonton, and eight are individuals who attend the U of A.
As a result, officials are encouraging anyone born in 1970, or after, to get the vaccine.
“Initially we’re seeing them in young adults, particularly the university age, we’re seeing the bulk of cases associated with the University of Alberta,” Dr. Joanne Oda with AHS said. “Now we’re beginning to see the cases expand to people who are a little bit older, but also people who are a little bit younger.”
Symptoms of mumps include swelling, and pain in the glands surrounding the jaw – although some suffer from cold or influenza-like symptoms instead.
If you’re unsure of your immunization status, call Health Link at 811, or your local public health centre.
