Mumps cases rise

CHILDREN and young adults are being advised to ensure they are protected against mumps, following a large increase in cases.

The call comes from The Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the East Midlands, which is advising people to take up the two doses of the MMR vaccine after an increase of more than 1,000 cases.

New figures from the HPA show there were 1586 notifications of mumps reported up to September 2009, compared to 504 notifications in 2008.

The HPA says older teenagers and young adults aged 15-24 years old are most affected in the East Midlands.

Dr Vanessa MacGregor, a Consultant in Communicable Disease with the Health Protection Agency said: "The majority of mumps cases have either not been immunised with the MMR vaccine or have only one dose."

The HPA also reports the number of confirmed cases of measles has increased only slightly this year. A total of 52 cases were reported to the HPA up to September 2009, compared to a total of 48 cases in 2008.

"Although the number of cases of measles has not seen a dramatic increase this year, we must not be complacent," said Dr MacGregor.

" The only way to protect children and young adults from what can be serious illnesses is to make sure they are fully immunised against them."

Dr MacGregor said measles is an illness that can kill, or leave patients with permanent complications including severe brain damage. Mumps can cause central nervous system disorders such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis.

For more information about Mumps and Measles visit the Health Protection Agency website at www.hpa.org.uk.

To find out more about immunisation visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk