Use mumps, measles cases as vaccine reminder

Ontario's chief medical officer says recent cases of mumps and measles should serve as reminders for everyone to get their vaccine shots.

Health officials say two people from Quebec were sick with infectious measles recently while at Canada's Wonderland and a Simcoe resort. 

Meanwhile, Toronto Public Health says it's still investigating a July outbreak of the mumps at Ki, an upscale sushi restaurant in the city's financial district.

Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, watery eyes, cough and light sensitivity. Those infected with the mumps experience fever, headache and swelling of glands in the mouth and neck, among other symptoms.

Dr. Arlene King said measles is circulating at low levels, with 11 reported cases. There are also 31 reported cases of mumps, she said.

Measles is not spread in wide-open spaces or through water, but it is spread through respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneezing on others nearby in a confined space, she noted.

King says two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are enough to protect someone.

Anyone who wants to receive the free vaccine should see their doctor.