Four cases confirmed in downtown office mumps outbreak

Toronto Public Health is investigating a mumps outbreak at a downtown Toronto office involving four confirmed cases as of Friday. All cases are among workers in non-public-facing roles, limiting spread risk to the broader community.

Dr. Shima Shakory, associate medical officer of health for TPH, said the risk of transmission to the public is low because infected workers had no direct contact with the public.

Mumps is a viral infection affecting the salivary glands, causing swelling in the cheeks and jaws. Children and young adults face higher infection risk. Symptoms — fever, headache, earache, fatigue, muscle pain, and loss of appetite — typically appear 12 to 25 days after exposure and last up to 10 days.

Shakory urged residents to check vaccine records and ensure routine immunizations are current. "Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself, your family and the broader community," she said. Anyone feeling unwell should stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading infection.

Mumps is considered rare in Canada, making vaccination the city's main defense.