Manitoba is seeing 10 times the normal number of mumps cases, according to province.

Public health officials confirmed 61 cases have been reported between Sept. 1 and Dec. 8. In previous years, the average number of mumps cases is typically five in one year, the province said.

The province said the majority of the people infected are between the ages 17 and 29 years of age. They are also students connected to the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and University of St. Boniface.

With the holiday season approaching, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said students returning home or attending events could spread the illness throughout the province and elsewhere.

They said to reduce the spread people should wash their hands often, avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when they are sick.