Fears of mumps epidemic as cases rise

THERE are fears Ireland may be on the brink of a mumps epidemic with around 40% of young adults vulnerable to the disease in pockets across the country.

Between November 2004 and April this year, 686 cases of mumps were reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) from all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas: 353 cases were reported since the beginning of this year.

Anecdotal reports from local health authorities, however, suggest additional cases are occurring but are not being reported.