By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
Officials with Public Health Wales are urging people to make sure they have received the MMR vaccination as it investigates cases of suspected mumps in universities in Wales.
To date, 28 suspected cases of mumps among people who attend universities in Cardiff and Cwm Taf have been reported.
Dr Rhianwen Stiff, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales, said:
“The MMR vaccine is extremely effective in protecting against measles and rubella, with 99 per cent of those who have received two doses protected for many years.
“One dose of MMR protects around 65 per cent of those who receive it against mumps, with a second dose of MMR improving immunity to around 85 per cent of recipients. So it is possible to see mumps in individuals who have been vaccinated with MMR.
“Mumps is spread by coughs and sneezes and directly through contact with the saliva of an infectious person such as through sharing drinks or kissing. Symptoms include swelling on the angle of the jaw on one or both sides of the face.
“It is important that people with suspected mumps keep away from university and social gatherings for five days after their symptoms start, wash their hands frequently and especially after blowing their nose and don’t share items such as water bottles or cigarettes with others.”
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