Toronto’s mumps outbreak continues to spread, with a new confirmed case bringing the total to 18.
The public health department, which says many of those infected had recently visited one or more west downtown bars, updated the total Tuesday and urged anyone who might have the highly contagious virus to call their doctor before visiting.
Manitoba is in the grip of a serious outbreak with more than 170 confirmed cases of mumps, which spreads via saliva and respiratory droplets.
Asked if Torontonians planning to hit the bars — and maybe even kiss — on St. Patrick’s Day should be concerned, Dr. Vinita Dubey of Toronto Public Health said it’s too early to know if mumps is spreading in the city, as the incubation period is two to three weeks.
“While the risk to the general public remains low, individuals born in 1970 or later should check their yellow immunization card to make sure they have 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine,” she said in an email.
“Individuals can also ask their family physician if they are unsure if their immunizations are up to date or call the local health department where they went to elementary or high school.”
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