Mumps and measles on the rise in Ireland

Meningitis Research Foundation has today expresssed its concern that mumps and measles cases continue to rise significantly above levels seen recent years.

According to today's Health Protection Surveillance Center Weekly Infectious Disease Report, 403 cases of mumps have been reported to date, compared to 72 by the same time last year.

Thirty-two reports of measles have been made to date compared to 25 last year. This increase has been attributed to inadequate take-up of the MMR vaccine in the past.

The foundation said that it is particularly concerned as any resurgence of mumps or measles could lead to an increase in the number of cases of mumps or measles viral meningitis, which is often more severe than other viral forms of meningitis.

Prior to 1988, when MMR vaccine was introduced, the mumps virus was a leading cause of viral meningitis, causing many hospital admissions a year, mainly in young children.

More information is available at www.meningitis.org or by contacting the 24-hour Nurse Helpline on 1800 41 33 44.