CHECK-UP:What symptoms should we be aware of if the mumps virus is in the area?, asks Marion Kerr.
MY DAUGHTER, who's in first year at college, says a few students on her course have contracted mumps. What symptoms should she look out for?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection spread through coughing and sneezing. The most common symptoms are swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland which lies in front of and below the ear.
Fever, discomfort on opening the mouth, weakness and lethargy can also be experienced. It takes about 18 days for the infection to incubate; it can then be passed on to others from about two days before symptoms appear to 12 days after the swellings disappear.
An infected person should be isolated once mumps is suspected to avoid further spread of the virus. Symptoms are managed until the immune system can fight the infection. Paracetamol can be given for pain control and high temperature and rest should be encouraged until the fever settles.
Mild heat applied to the glands can help relieve pain. Soft foods along with plenty of fluids taken through a straw will help with facial discomfort.
I thought only young children got mumps?
Although more usually associated with young children, teenagers and adults can be infected with mumps. As part of the childhood vaccine programme, young children are given a combined vaccine against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR).
But as not everyone gets vaccinated, outbreaks of mumps can occur particularly where large groups of young people are in close contact.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre estimates at least seven mumps outbreaks have occurred in third-level colleges this year alone.
They recommend students under 25, particularly new students, who haven't been vaccinated or who have not had mumps, go to see their GP or student health service.
Are mumps dangerous?
A minority of men infected with mumps experience inflammation of the testes. Although it usually affects only one testis, sterility very rarely occurs when both testes have been affected.
Mumps can also cause inflammation of the ovaries in women, and in the pancreas of both sexes. Meningitis, encephalitis and deafness are rare complications.
Swelling of the testes or low abdominal pain in women with mumps, delirium, headaches, vomiting or neck stiffness are all symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention.