Teenagers and young adults warned as mumps cases in the North West rise sharply

Dec 17 2009 Chester Chronicle

THE Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is advising teenagers and young adults to protect themselves against mumps as cases soar throughout the region.

The Agency is working closely with universities and colleges of further education in an effort to persuade unprotected students of the importance of MMR vaccination.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director, HPA North West, said: “We have seen a sharp rise in the figures this year and teenagers and young adults who have not had two doses of MMR vaccine are particularly vulnerable.

“There is evidence in parts of the region that the disease is spreading in student populations. That is why we are working closely with the universities and colleges of further education to inform students about mumps and to explain why vaccination is important.

“However, it’s not just students who are at risk and we would urge everyone up to the age of 25 to consult their family doctors about having two doses of MMR vaccine if they are currently unprotected. MMR also gives immunity to measles and rubella.”

Mumps is serious. The usual symptoms are a painful inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands under one or both sides of the jaw, fever and headache.

Some people suffer complications that can include inflammation of the pancreas; viral meningitis (inflammation of the brain); inflamed and swollen testicles in men and ovaries in women. Mumps can also cause deafness.

On very rare occasions, people die from mumps.

Dr. Sam Ghebrehewet, the HPA’s North West Immunisation Lead, said: “Mumps is increasing despite our best efforts and unvaccinated teenagers and young adults aged 14-25 are vulnerable. Our advice is that they should seek an appointment with their GPs about MMR vaccination. It isn’t too late.”