Possible Mumps outbreak at Clyst Vale College

A possible outbreak of mumps at Clyst Vale Community College in Broadclyst has seen health authorities ask the public to check they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.

In all twenty possible cases have been reported at  Clyst Vale affecting both  students and teachers and has been connected to Cullompton Rugby Club who cancelled games on Saturday 1st March to reduce the risk of further infection.

The Public Health Team at Devon County Council are now working with Public Health England to inform people that two doses of the MMR vaccine are needed to protect against the virus causing mumps as well as the viruses that cause measles and rubella.

Mike Wade, Devon County Council Public Health Consultant, said: “To be fully protected against mumps, it is important to make sure you have had two MMR vaccinations, which is why we are encouraging pupils who are not sure, or do not have written evidence of the jab, to arrange a catch up jab with their local health service as soon as possible.

“We know that mumps can spread quickly from person to person which is why we often see cases in close knit communities such as schools, universities and colleges.

“Symptoms usually begin with a headache and fever, followed by a swelling of the salivary glands.  Although most people usually recover without treatment, in some cases it can cause complications such as inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, and in rare cases, meningitis and deafness.

“I’d like to reassure pupils, parents and carers that MMR is the safest and most effective way to protect against mumps, especially when we know it is circulating in the community.”

Mumps is a viral infection and symptoms usually begin with a headache and fever, followed by a swelling of the salivary glands between the bottom of ear and jaw.

Most people usually recover without treatment but in some cases the virus can cause complications such as inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, and in rare cases, meningitis and deafness.

Mumps incidence peaks in winter and spring but has been reported throughout the year. Mumps was the cause of about 1200 hospital admissions each year in England and Wales before the introduction of MMR in 1988 but has become rarer following wide spread vaccination.

When symptoms persist, individuals should seek medical advice.