The UK is in the grip of a nationwide mumps epidemic, with a growing number of outbreaks of the disease among children and young people, experts have said.
Researchers from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust said that in January alone there were almost 5,000 potential mumps cases notified by doctors.
The highest attack rate is seen in those born between 1983 and 1986, who were too old to be offered the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab routinely.
However, some may have received one dose of MMR as part of a catch-up programme when they entered school.
The MMR jab has been surrounded in controversy recently with many parents worried about a possible link with autism. Research published in 1998 caused widespread panic among parents when it suggested a link between the jab and autism - a claim rejected by most experts.
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Researchers from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust said that in January alone there were almost 5,000 potential mumps cases notified by doctors.
The highest attack rate is seen in those born between 1983 and 1986, who were too old to be offered the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab routinely.
However, some may have received one dose of MMR as part of a catch-up programme when they entered school.
The MMR jab has been surrounded in controversy recently with many parents worried about a possible link with autism. Research published in 1998 caused widespread panic among parents when it suggested a link between the jab and autism - a claim rejected by most experts.
Source
