Students heading off to college and university are being urged to ensure they have had the recommended two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine before the new term begins, to protect against them against these potentially serious infections.
In recent months there have been outbreaks of measles and mumps at a number of universities in our region.
The outbreaks have tended to affect those aged between 18 and 23 who have not had the recommended two MMR vaccinations, which aim to give full immunisation. Many people in this age group have had only one or sometimes no vaccination, leaving them susceptible to the illness.
Measles is a highly infectious viral infection, spread through droplets generated by coughing or sneezing, with symptoms that include fever, colds, conjunctivitis, dry croupy cough, white spots on the gums, diarrhea and a red rash.
Many people think that Measles is just another childhood disease but this is not the case. It’s one of the most infectious diseases known, and complications affect one in 15 people. Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and death and it’s no longer rare particularly in areas that have low uptake of the vaccine. The MMR vaccine will protect against measles, mumps and rubella.
Mumps is a viral infection that causes fever, headache and painful swollen glands. In extreme cases it can cause viral meningitis and infertility. It is spread from person to person by coughs and sneezes and can also be transmitted by direct contact through saliva. Sufferers become ill up to three weeks after being infected and the condition remains contagious for about a week. The only recommended cure is rest and time.
John Radford, Director of Public Health at NHS Rotherham said: “It is extremely important that anyone heading off to college or university this autumn ensures that they have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. Measles and mumps are spread through close contact and can be particularly rife amongst young people living and socialising together.
“Some years ago, there were many stories in the media linking MMR with autism. These caused some parents to delay their child's MMR immunisation or not to have it at all resulting in outbreaks of measles. However, independent experts from around the world have found no credible scientific evidence for such a link and in fact now have a large amount of evidence showing that there is no link.”
For more information contact your GP practice or visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles or www.hpa.org.uk and select ‘measles’ from the topics menu.
Ref: NHSR11-P54
Last reviewed: 12/10/2011
