Number of mumps cases more than doubles in a year

The number of mumps cases this year has more than doubled over 2013, prompting medical experts to urge people to get vaccinated against the infection.

Over 400 cases of mumps have been diagnosed so far this year compared to 184 cases for the whole of 2013, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). Most of those affected were young people aged 17 to 20 years.

Mumps is a contagious viral infection most common in children over the age of two who have not been vaccinated, as well as teenagers and young adults. It is spread via airborne droplets, often when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, headache and a swollen jaw or cheeks. People who are infected are most contagious one to two days before the onset of symptoms and for five days afterwards.

Complications are usually mild but can include meningitis, deafness and inflammation of the testicles, ovaries or pancreas.

The MMR vaccine, which is administered to babies aged 12-15 months, protects against the disease, and a booster shot is given at age four or five.

Dr Suzanne Cotter of the HPSC told RTE Radio today that while the current outbreak of mumps was not expected to be as severe as the last large outbreak in 2009, anyone who has not been vaccinated already should get themselves vaccinated.