The HSE are this week calling for more people to get vaccinated against mumps as it was revealed this week that the number of people who have been diagnosed with the disease has more than doubled since 2013.
The contagious airborne disease has been diagnosed in over 400 cases this year in comparison with 184 cases last year. It has been reported that the current outbreak is mainly affecting young adults and teenagers.
Thus, the HSE have alerted universities across Ireland to advise students to get vaccinated, as mumps can be spread as a result of both direct and indirect contact.
The most common symptom of the disease is the swelling of glands on one or both sides of the face. People who have been infected are at their most contagious in the first two days of symptoms and also for a further five days afterwards.
Other symptoms include a high temperature, discomfort when eating and a general feeling of being ill.
The MMR vaccination is the best way to protect against mumps.
