Several universities in Dublin have issued warnings to students after an increase in mumps cases, TheJournal.ie has reported.
Dublin City University (DCU), University College Dublin (UCD) and Technological University Dublin (TUD) have circulated information to students about mumps over the past number of weeks, after the HSE confirmed an increase in the number of cases of the illness.
According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, a total of 1,765 cases of mumps have been identified in Ireland this year. Some 58.5 per cent of cases occurred in patients in the 15-24 age bracket.
An email sent to UCD students outlined the symptoms of mumps – fever, headache and swelling of the cheeks or jaw – and advised those showing symptoms not to attend college for five days after the onset of swelling.
The email read: “If you have not had two doses of MMR vaccine you should attend your own GP or student health service to get the vaccine.”
“Please inform them that you suspect that you may have mumps so that we can ensure you are placed in a safe area and not the general waiting room prior to your appointment.”
TUD has had six confirmed cases of mumps since the beginning of the academic year. The university has now included information on mumps and the MMR vaccine in welcome packs for new students.
A spokesperson for TUD told TheJournal.ie: “We are very aware of the increase in reported cases of mumps among university students generally in Dublin, and our student health centre actively promoted vaccination to students when it was first notified last academic year.”
In a statement to TheJournal.ie, a spokesperson for DCU said: “The DCU student health centre is following HSE guidelines by encouraging students to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and to check their vaccination history. The centre has provided important information to students about what symptoms to look out for and where to go if they have any concerns.”
Since the second week of September, mumps cases have increased, according to the HPSC, coinciding with the beginning of term for schools and third-level institutions.
Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine will prevent mumps in 88 per cent of individuals.
