ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Members of Canada's world junior team have received booster shots to vaccinate against the mumps.

The virus has hit at least 14 players in the NHL this season, including Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild, Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks and Derick Brassard of the New York Rangers.

"I think we got to be careful," head coach Benoit Groulx said. "It's better to be precautionary than having a problem after. It's more precautionary than anything else."

Groulx said he was also getting the shot Monday.

The mumps outbreak caught the NHL off guard as it spread to several teams.

Those infected with mumps can have a fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite, followed by the swelling of salivary glands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The mumps virus is spread through saliva or mucus, usually from coughing, sneezing or talking, according to the CDC.