ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- Health officials in eastern Newfoundland are cautioning people about an apparent rise in the number of mumps cases.

Eastern Health says that since December, there have been 19 reported cases of parotitis, which involves swollen parotid or salivary glands and can be caused by an infection with the mumps.

So far, six of the cases have tested positive for the mumps virus but more test results are expected in the coming days.

The agency is advising people to protect themselves by cleaning their hands regularly, covering their coughs and sneezes, and staying home if sick.

The majority of cases are being seen in adults, but ages range from 10 to 40 years old.

Mumps is spread through nose and throat secretions from coughs and sneezes, and can cause serious complications in infants, pregnant women in their first trimester and people with compromised immune systems.