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21/02/2005
NI mumps figure on the increase
The number of reported cases of mumps in Northern Ireland have increased since the start of the year, Chief Medical Officer Dr Henrietta Campbell said today.
Over 300 cases of mumps have been notified since the start of the year with the majority of those affected aged 18 –19 years and all of whom are believed to have only had one dose of mumps-containing vaccine such as MMR.
Dr Campbell said: “Mumps can be a very painful illness in older teenagers and people above that age group. It may be associated with complications such as meningitis, pancreatitis and orchitis (painful, swollen testicles).
“The Joint Council on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises Health Ministers in the UK, has long recommended that two doses of MMR are required to fully protect against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
“It is significant, therefore, that the data so far available shows that the majority of those affected have had only one dose of mumps–containing vaccine ie MMR, while a small proportion have never had any such vaccines."
Dr Campbell confirmed that following a meeting of the Northern Ireland Regional Immunisation Sub-Group, she had written to GPs, Boards, Trusts and a wide range of other health professionals reminding them of the importance of “ensuring that all children and young people up to age 23 should be fully protected against mumps by the administration of two doses of MMR and to take whatever steps they thought necessary to achieve this”.
Most cases of mumps have been occurring in children born between 1982 and 1991, with the majority occurring in those aged 18 to 19 years.
(MB/SP)
Over 300 cases of mumps have been notified since the start of the year with the majority of those affected aged 18 –19 years and all of whom are believed to have only had one dose of mumps-containing vaccine such as MMR.
Dr Campbell said: “Mumps can be a very painful illness in older teenagers and people above that age group. It may be associated with complications such as meningitis, pancreatitis and orchitis (painful, swollen testicles).
“The Joint Council on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises Health Ministers in the UK, has long recommended that two doses of MMR are required to fully protect against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
“It is significant, therefore, that the data so far available shows that the majority of those affected have had only one dose of mumps–containing vaccine ie MMR, while a small proportion have never had any such vaccines."
Dr Campbell confirmed that following a meeting of the Northern Ireland Regional Immunisation Sub-Group, she had written to GPs, Boards, Trusts and a wide range of other health professionals reminding them of the importance of “ensuring that all children and young people up to age 23 should be fully protected against mumps by the administration of two doses of MMR and to take whatever steps they thought necessary to achieve this”.
Most cases of mumps have been occurring in children born between 1982 and 1991, with the majority occurring in those aged 18 to 19 years.
(MB/SP)
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