“Alert: Mumps Exposure on International Flights to New Zealand”

Travelers are urged to remain vigilant for symptoms of mumps following a confirmed case that traveled to Aotearoa (New Zealand). Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand has issued a warning for passengers who were on recent flights from Chennai, India, to Singapore, and onward to Auckland.

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Symptoms of mumps may include swollen glands, headaches, jaw pain, dry mouth, and loss of appetite or nausea.

Mumps

Singapore Airlines (SQ0529) from Chennai to Singapore
Departure: 11:15 pm (IST)
Arrival: 5:28 am (GMT+8)
March 14:

Singapore Airlines (SQ0281) from Singapore to Auckland
Departure: 8:45 am
Arrival: 11:35 pm (NZ time)
Dr. Susan Jack, clinical director of the National Public Health Service, emphasized the ease of mumps transmission between individuals. Initial symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue may resemble other illnesses. However, characteristic symptoms of mumps, including cheek and jaw area pain, swelling, and tenderness, typically develop a few days later.

The incubation period for  can be up to 25 days after exposure to an infected person. Therefore, passengers who traveled on the same international flights as the case may begin to experience symptoms from now until approximately April 8th, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant.

The individual who was infectious, a New Zealand citizen, has since recovered after diagnosis on Friday. They were unaware of their infectious status while traveling.

Passengers on the mentioned flights are advised to monitor for  symptoms, stay at home if feeling unwell, and contact a doctor or Healthline at 0800 611 116.

Mumps is caused by a contagious virus that can spread through the air and saliva. Individuals can be contagious even without displaying symptoms. Transmission occurs through talking, breathing, coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing food and drinks.

Dr. Jack stressed the importance of vaccination against , recommending two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella). Ensuring immunization is up to date is particularly crucial for travelers.