8 November 2018
Mumps case notified: Parents urged to check immunisations
Hawke’s Bay health officials are urging parents to check their children’s immunisation status following three cases of
mumps recently being confirmed in Hastings.
One child was a student from Hastings Boys High School and the other two cases are adults. Public health are continuing
to follow up with a number of contacts and have advised health professionals to be on the alert for mumps.
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board medical officer of health, Dr Rachel Eyre, commended Hastings Boys High School for
working swiftly with health officials to ensure important health advice got out to all parents/caregivers and wider
school communities.
“Mumps is a highly infections viral infection, spread by breathing, sneezing and coughing and can spread quickly among
those who are not immune, particularly in schools,” said Dr Eyre.
Dr Eyre said this outbreak was a timely reminder for parents and carers to check their children were up-to-date with
immunisations.
“It’s vitally important parents check their child’s immunisations are up-to-date and be aware that if your child is
developing a fever or has swelling of the glands around the checks or jaw, to stay home and phone your doctor in the
first instance, or Heathline on 0800 611 116.”
Dr Eyre said it was important people with suspected mumps stayed away from school, work or community gatherings until
five days after swelling developed or until well, whichever was sooner.
“If you were born after 1981 and have never had mumps or mumps/MMR immunisation, you need to see your family doctor,”
said Dr Eyre, adding that two documented doses was required to prove immunity.
“The sooner the free immunisation is given, the more likely it is to protect you.” Unvaccinated adolescents and adults
are most at risk, and are more likely to experience severe mumps disease and complications
For more information visit http://www.immune.org.nz/diseases/mumps
ENDS