Southwest Sask. confirms mumps cases

There are mumps cases being confirmed in southwest Saskatchewan.

The Cypress Health region said test results from the National Medical Laboratory in Winnipeg have confirmed the virus is present. Three cases have been confirmed and there is a fourth suspected case.

The region covers the southwest corner including Swift Current and Maple Creek.

Mumps activity had been reported across Canada, including in Alberta and Manitoba.

Many of the cases have been connected to hockey, including the ones found in the Cypress Health region.

The health region describes Mumps as an acute viral infection characterized by painful swelling of the glands on one or both sides of the jaw. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, sore throat, vomiting, tiredness and loss of appetite.

The virus can be spread by coughing, sneezing or being in contact with a person’s saliva.

The region encourages people to get vaccinated for the mumps if they have not already received the vaccine.