Mumps outbreaks on the rise on campus

There have been a number of outbreaks of Mumps on university and college campuses this term, which is due in part to the fact that many in the current generation of 14-22 year olds have not been vaccinated against Mumps or have missed out on the booster vaccination.

NUS recommends that all students check whether they have been immunised against Mumps, and if they have not been or if they have any concerns, they should contact their GP or student health centre.

www.immunisation.org.uk
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection of the parotid glands, and although not fatal in itself can cause more severe complications including meningitis. In older boys and teenage males it can also cause orchitis, which is inflammation of the testes and can in rare cases causes infertility.

Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Malaise
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Parotid salivary gland swelling
• Pain on opening the mouth