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Mumps outbreaks across England

Public Health England and NHS England urge people to ensure they have 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as mumps cases rise to highest levels in a decade.

The mumps virus is circulating and affecting young adults predominantly in those aged 18 - 22 years. Cases of mumps are monitored by Public Health England who will provide the University with advice and support on potential public health issues.

Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that you can catch through direct contact with an infected person, or through the air when they cough or sneeze.

Most people recover without the need for treatment but in some cases it can cause complications such as inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, and in rare cases, meningitis or deafness.

What are the symptoms?

Mumps is most recognisable by the painful swelling of the glands at the side of the face and under the ears but headaches, pain in your joints and fever are also common symptoms.

A person is most contagious a few days before the symptoms develop and for a few days afterwards. You can find out more about the symptoms of Mumps on the NHS.UK website.

When to see a doctor

It is important that if you think you may have Mumps, that you call your doctor to arrange an appointment for diagnosis and treatment. While Mumps isn’t usually serious, the condition has very similar symptoms to other infections such as glandular fever and tonsillitis.

If you suspect that you or a person you live with has Mumps, Public Health England advises that you stay away from lectures, exams and social gatherings for five days after the glands swell.

Students must not attend placements in healthcare premises if they think they have mumps.

If you have Mumps, you can also help prevent it spreading by:

  • regularly washing your hands with soap
  • using and disposing of tissues when you sneeze

Preventing Mumps

The best protection against mumps is to have two MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations.

The MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses - measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). The MMR vaccine is typically given to young children in two doses between the ages of nine months to six years.

You need both doses of the MMR vaccine to be protected and there are no risks to your health if you get an extra dose. If you have not received two doses of MMR then the course can be finished at any time.

The vaccination is free and if you’re not sure you’ve received both doses, it is easy to find out by contacting your GP.

We encourage you to read Public Health England’s advice and book an appointment with your doctor to arrange to receive the full dose.

If you’re not registered with a doctor – find out how to register on the NHS website.