HALIFAX -

The number of mumps cases in Nova Scotia continues to rise with another 27 reported this week for a total of 377 since the outbreak began in February.

The number of cases has risen steadily by roughly two dozen a week over the past several weeks and health officials say that's to be expected.

Dr. Robert Strang says doctors in the province are working with the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents on an immunization plan for students returning to school in the fall.

University-aged people are at highest risk of contracting the disease because many of them have not received a second booster shot that makes the immunization more effective.

The outbreak spread across the country after students returned to their home provinces for the summer.

As of last week, there were 460 confirmed cases in eight provinces but Nova Scotia still had the highest number of patients.