A mumps virus outbreak in North West Queensland and Gulf country has prompted calls for residents to check their MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine status.
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Twenty lab-confirmed cases of mumps have been recorded in the region so far this year, most of whom are indigenous.
Mount Isa Public Health Unit Director Dr Steven Donohue said some of the cases are linked to a similar outbreak in the Northern Territory, where about 130 people have acquired the infection since July 2015.
“Several patients in the North West outbreak have been fully immunised so we suspect factors such as overcrowding and waning immunity may play a role,” Dr Donohue said.
Dr Donohue said all local clinics and communities have been urged to offer free extra doses of the MMR vaccine to people born after 1965 who did not have at least two documented cases on their immunisation records.
“People who are in close contact with the patients of the outbreak should get a third dose,” he said.
Prior to this year, just one case of the mumps had been recorded by the North West Hospital and Health Service since 2012.
Mumps usually causes swelling of parotid salivary glands under the angle of the jaw. Other symptoms include fever, headache and tiredness.
In severe cases, the disease can affect the testicles in males or the lining of the brain (meningitis).
It spreads easily through sneezing and coughing.
Dr Donohue said immunisation was the most effective counter-measure.
“Mumps is a virus so antibiotics do not work,” he said.
“If given before exposure, vaccination will prevent the disease in the majority of people.”
MMR vaccine is routinely given at 12 and 18 months, but catch-up boosters can be given anytime.
However the live, weakened vaccine cannot be given to pregnant women, young babies or people with immune problems.
For more information, visit conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/99/Mumps.