Increase in mumps cases across most regions of Ireland

Increase in mumps cases across most regions of Ireland -

Published: February 11, 2019

There has been a large rise in the number of mumps cases reported to HPSC in the first six weeks of 2019 compared to the same period last year. Most cases are in teenagers and young adults. In the first 6 weeks of 2019, 278 mumps cases were notified compared to 43 for the same time period in 2018. A total of 576 cases were notified in 2018.

Mumps cases in 2019 to date

• Age group distribution: most cases are in the 15-19 year age group (35%); 20-24 year age group (25%) and 10-14 year age group (14%)
• The male: female ratio is 1.3:1
• 15 cases were reported as hospitalised
• Most cases have been reported in the Northeast (83 cases), followed by the East (58 cases), the West (50 cases), Northwest (43 cases), Midwest (24 cases) with smaller numbers in the South (7 cases), South East (6 cases) and Midlands (7 cases)

In 2019 to date, 9 mumps outbreaks have been reported in community, school, university, private home and other settings.

Mumps symptoms
Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, tiredness and swollen, tender salivary glands. Mumps often gives the appearance of swollen cheeks or jaw.

What to do if you have symptoms of mumps
If you have mumps symptoms you should stay at home, not go to school or work and phone your GP and explain that you may have mumps.

MMR vaccination
The best protection against mumps is to be fully vaccinated with 2 doses of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine.

Further information
HPSC - mumps frequently asked questions
HSE NIO - MMR vaccine

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