25
Feb 2020
Mumps cases in England reach highest level in ten years
Mumps outbreaks in colleges and universities have increased the number of cases to 5,042 in 2019, four times the number last year, with most new cases occurring in young adults who had missed out on the MMR jab.
Mumps is a viral infection which was very common in children prior to the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine being introduced in the UK in 1988. The infection is contagious and spread through infected droplets of saliva breathed through the nose or mouth.
Symptoms of the illness include headache; fever; painful swelling of the glands at the side of the face; tiredness; loss of appetite and joint pain. Most people go on to recover without treatment, but in rare cases serious complications can develop, such as meningitis, deafness, and inflammation of the testicles in males.
Public Health England have said in order to maximise protection, two doses of the vaccination were necessary.
Older children and adults who missed out on the MMR as babies can have it on the NHS at any age, the vaccine is given in two doses with the second at least a month following the first.
Responding to the news, Public Health England’s Dr Vanessa Saliba said “We encourage all students and young people who may have missed out on their MMR vaccine in the past to contact their GP practice and get up to date as soon as possible.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 738
- Like this ? Share with friends