Auckland’s mumps outbreak has been fuelled by low vaccination rates as not enough young Aucklanders are immunised in the fight against this persistent outbreak, according to the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS). Over 1,000 cases have been reported with number doubling since the start of October.
Clinical Director of the service, Dr Julia Peters, reported on 24th January 2018, “The majority of cases are aged 10 to 29 years as this age group has had lower than average immunisation rates.” Approximately 80% of the cases were not fully vaccinated.
“Most people recover from mumps however some individuals can develop rare complications which we have already seen this year. I urge parents to check with their doctors to ensure their families’ measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date,” says Dr Peters.
She added the outbreak could continue for two years, but said a nationwide vaccination programme could reduce cases by a third.
Mumps can cause painful swelling of the glands around the face and jaw, fever and headaches. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccination is free from doctors.