According to a recent report, the number of mumps cases in the province has doubled and the outbreak is expected to continue for months.

Mumps is spread by direct contact with the saliva of an infected person such as coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks, or kissing.

The virus causes fever, headaches, muscle aches and swollen glands, often next to the jaw line in your cheek.

Most people who contract the disease will recover after one to two weeks.  

Doctor Michael Isaac, the Medical Health Officer with the Northern Health Region, says that all health regions in the province have had cases of the mumps, including five confirmed cases here in Thompson since the start of 2017.

Doctor Isaac said that the best way to prevent mumps is immunization.

He added that other preventative actions that you can take include covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, as well as not sharing personal items.

For more information on the disease, head to http://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/mumps.html