A significant rise in the number of mumps cases across South Australia has led health officials to urge the public to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
In just the first month of the year there have been nine cases of mumps reported to SA Health, compared to last year’s annual total of 14 cases and just five in 2013.
SA Health chief medical officer Paddy Phillips said many of the cases occurred in people who had not been fully vaccinated.
He said people not vaccinated for mumps probably have not been vaccinated for measles either, with the illness most commonly affecting people aged between 20 and 40.
“What is a bit concerning is that fact that if these people aren’t vaccinated against mumps then they’re probably not vaccinated against measles and rubella as well,” Professor Phillips said.
“Measles can be much more severe than mumps and can even be fatal and rubella can cause congenital heart defects and other defects.
“This is absolutely a reminder for people to keep their vaccinations up to date and to make sure their children are vaccinated,” he said.
“It’s a relatively uncommon illness due to high rates of vaccination, so the fact that we’ve seen 15 cases in the last three months alone is unusual.”
Professor Phillips said mumps was a respiratory illness that most commonly caused swollen glands on the sides of the face and jawline, which was spread through coughing and sneezing.
“One in three people with mumps will only have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, but can still spread the illness to other members of the community without realising it,” he said.
Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache and swollen glands around the neck and face.
“Most people recover fairly quickly from mumps but it can cause serious complications, with about 10 per cent developing meningitis and in rare cases, potentially fatal encephalitis,” Professor Phillips said.
“I would encourage anyone who is unsure if they have had both doses of the MMR vaccine to speak to their doctor and arrange a catch-up vaccination if necessary.”