In recent days a number of suspected cases of mumps infection have presented and been diagnosed in the University’s Student Health Centre (SHC), according to a recent Facebook post on UL Student Life.

Infographic aimed at college students depicting symptoms of mumps and steps they can take to protect themselves.
Infographic aimed at college students depicting symptoms of mumps and steps they can take to protect themselves.

This communication to the student body has been prepared by the Public Health Department at the HSE and the Student Health Centre’s medical team to address some of the questions and concerns which may arise from this recent increase in the number of cases presenting with mumps.

Mumps is a viral infection which in general terms presents with a swelling of one of the salivary glands or more in the neck. These may be in front of the ear or beneath the jaw on either the left or right side or indeed on both sides.

The student who contracts the case may also complain of a mild fever and some constitutional symptoms such as aches, pains and headache. In the vast majority of cases, the condition is self-limiting and will resolve in a matter of a few days without any adverse effects or complications.

In a small number of cases complications can arise and the HSE and SHC doctors therefore advise that all students who suspect they may have contracted mumps to present themselves to the Student Health Centre to confirm that the diagnosis is correct as there can be confusion with other diagnoses.

The student will be advised not to attend any lectures or public events in the college. The student can return to normal activities and normal studies after 7 days.

The advice that the SHC gives is that the domiciliary contacts i.e. people living with the student or person who contracts mumps should satisfy themselves that they have in the past and since birth received at least 2 MMR vaccines. These are normally given as part of the primary immunisation schedule to babies in this country born since the year 1987.

Where there is confusion as to whether 2 MMR vaccines were received in the past, the student is advised to visit their doctor to request another MMR vaccine be administered.