A mumps outbreak in Auckland that has risen to 169 cases is largely a result of low vaccination rates, public health officials say.
Photo: AFP
Mumps is a highly infectious viral disease prevented by the measles mumps rubella vaccination that is routinely given at 15 months of age and again at four years.
Julia Peters, clinical director of the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, said 80 percent of the 169 people with confirmed cases of mumps were not fully vaccinated. The majority were aged between 10 and 29.
In 2016 there were just 13 cases of mumps in Auckland.
Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Antibiotics will not treat the infection or reduce the risk of catching it.