Mumps. which can leave patients infertile and even be fatal, is prevented by the MMR vaccine but uptake is at a 15-year-low – and has led to a surge in measles cases this year
Health officials have issued a stark warning as the UK is set to be hit by a mumps epidemic – with teens and young adults most at risk
The disease, which can leave patients infertile and even be fatal, is prevented by the MMR vaccine but uptake is at a 15-year-low – and has led to a surge in measles cases this year. Symptoms of the disease include swollen salivary glands, headaches, joint pain and fever.
There were just 36 reports of mumps last year compared to 3,700 in 2020, so medics say a boom could be recorded this winter. Mumps is typically mild in children but can lead to serious complications in older people. Around one in 10 men whose testicles are affected see a fall in sperm count, while it may lead to women’s ovaries swelling.
André Charlett, from the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Cases are so low at the moment that they are bound to bounce back. It’s likely we’ll see a sudden surge in cases, similar to the measles outbreak. It could be bad for unvaccinated young adults.”
Professor Paul Hunter, from the University of East Anglia, said: “Another rare complication is a brain infection.” And Susan Hahné, of journal Epidemiology & Infection, added: “It’s just a matter of time before the UK sees a rise in cases.”
Earlier this year the UK Health Security Agency has declared a national incident, to signal the growing public health risk. About 99% will be protected against measles and rubella after two doses of the triple vaccine, with 88% shielded from mumps. Measles, which can be potentially deadly, usually starts with cold-like symptoms followed by a rash. Some get small spots in the mouth.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “The continuing downward trend in routine childhood vaccinations is a serious concern. Diseases that these vaccines protect against can be life-changing.” The NHS warns measles can lead to “serious problems” if it spreads to other parts of the body.
In rare cases it can cause pneumonia, meningitis, even blindness and death. Measles is also a risk to unborn children. It had been almost eliminated in the UK but in recent months cases have been rising.
Symptoms of mumps include:
- Painful swelling in the parotid glands
- Puffy face from swelling, sometimes referred to as “hamster face”
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Other symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Mild abdominal pain
