Mumps investigation at Toronto restaurant

Toronto Public Health is investigating four cases of mumps in staff who work at Ki Restaurant located at 181 Bay Street in Toronto. These individuals unknowingly worked while infectious with mumps. Toronto Public Health is working closely with the restaurant to limit any further spread of the virus.The risk to restaurant patrons is low, however, as a precaution, if you were at Ki Restaurant at anytime on or between July 7 and July 18, watch for symptoms of mumps which could occur up to and including August 12th. Symptoms include swelling and pain in one or more salivary glands (sides of the cheeks and jaw), fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, fatigue and loss of appetite."If you were at the restaurant during this period, and you experience symptoms of mumps, please call Toronto Public Health at 311, and call your doctor and indicate that you may have been exposed to mumps." said Dr. Irene Armstrong, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Toronto Public Health. "Persons diagnosed with mumps or suspected of having mumps should stay home and refrain from having visitors for five days to avoid spreading the infection to others."Mumps in Toronto is uncommon. Most people are immune because of past infection or have been fully vaccinated. There have an average of 15 cases a year reported in Toronto in the past six years.People born before January 1, 1970 are generally considered to be immune. For those born on or after this date, two doses of mumps vaccine (given as combined MMR- measles, mumps and rubella vaccine) are required for lifelong protection, however, those born in Ontario between 1970 and 1992 likely received only one dose. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization now recommends that students and health care workers should get two doses of mumps vaccine.Most people who get mumps recover fully within two weeks. Serious illness associated with mumps is rare and includes swelling of the brain (encephalitis), meningitis, and orchitis in men (inflammation of the testicles). Women who become infected with mumps during the first three months of pregnancy are at risk of miscarriage.The mumps virus is most commonly found in saliva. It is often transmitted when an infected person shares a cup, utensils or cigarettes or through kissing, or by coughing and sneezing.For information on the vaccine, please call TPH during regular business hours at 416-392-1250. A mumps Fact Sheet in available at: http://www.toronto.ca/health/cdc/factsheets/mumps_factsheet.htm.Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.