March 6th, 2017Mumps in Sport Info

Sport Canada - On behalf of our colleagues at the Public Health Agency of Canada, we are forwarding the attached information about mumps. There have been a number of reports of mumps outbreaks in sport and recreation environments in Canada in recent weeks.
 
We strongly encourage you to share this information as soon as possible across your broad networks – to your provincial/territorial partners and/or chapters, high performance directors, medical teams, coaches, parents, and, if appropriate, to your athletes at all levels of the sport system. If you observe any cases of mumps linked to sporting events or teams, it is recommended that you notify the Medical Officer of Health for your jurisdiction.

As you may know, mumps is a highly contagious infection that passes easily from person to person. The mumps vaccine is the best way to prevent becoming ill with the mumps. In Canada, vaccination against mumps is part of the routine childhood immunization programs in all provinces and territories. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, you should contact your health care provider or local public health unit.

There is an urgent need to get these messages out as broadly and deeply as possible, as soon as possible.
 
Thanks you for immediate attention to this matter.
 
Director General, Sport Canada