Doctors urge caution amid mumps outbreak

AN outbreak of mumps in the north-west has led doctors to warn parents to keep children with the condition at home.

The HSE has confirmed there have been 13 confirmed cases of mumps in the northwest since the start of March.

These have been mainly in the south Co Donegal and Sligo town area. The number of cases has decreased somewhat in the past week.

It follows an outbreak of measles in Co Donegal in recent weeks.

A spokesperson for the HSE said all children and young adults should have two MMR doses, which protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

Protection for rubella is important for women in their child-bearing years.

Dr Anthony Breslin of the Medical Council said: “The cases of measles and mumps in the north-west demonstrate what can happen when MMR vaccine rates fall.”

Mumps is an acute viral infection that is spread from person to person. It is potentially serious for children and young adults and is common in young children not vaccinated.

Mumps usually occurs in school-aged children, teenagers or young adults, although older people may also contract the disease.

Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, malaise and swollen, tender salivary glands – usually the parotid gland, which is located just below the front of the ear. Mumps often gives the appearance of swollen cheeks or jaw.