WINNIPEG -- Manitoba public health officials say they are dealing with an outbreak of the mumps.

Nine cases have been reported in less than two months.

That's double the number the province usually experiences in a year.

Officials say all the cases were students at the University of Manitoba.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says it is investigating each case and identifying people who may have come into contact with the illness.

Manitoba has offered a free vaccine to protect against mumps for two decades.