Mumps outbreak hits university

Students at the University of Gloucestershire are on alert following a mumps outbreak.

A total of ten students in Cheltenham and Gloucester have been diagnosed with the infection but the number is expected to rise.

Health officials are now working on the university's four campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, which house more than 9,500 full and part time students, to contain the outbreak.

The Health Protection Agency is working with the university and is checking all suspected cases of the illness that have been reported during the past two weeks.

A warning letter has been sent to all students from the university's medical officer urging them to check for symptoms.

Students and staff under the age of 25 have been asked to check if they have had the MMR jab and consult their GP. They are also asked not to mix with others for a week after mumps is suspected.

The mumps virus is highly contagious and in severe cases can cause deafness, viral meningitis and infertility.

Lawrence Knight of the Health Protection Agency South West, said: "We are awaiting the test results from three students to ascertain whether these are isolated or an outbreak.

"The university's medical officer has taken a proactive approach by warning students.

"For some it is a mild infection and for others unpleasant.

"We would urge anyone who is concerned about symptoms to see their GP as soon as possible."

A spokesman for the University of Gloucestershire, said: "We believe around 10 students have contracted mumps and have been diagnosed at the university's medical centre.

"Students living in Gloucestershire can go to their local GP or to the university medical centre for an MMR jab if they are concerned."

Coun Andrew Gravells (C, Abbey), chairman of Gloucestershire's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: "This could be potentially very serious for the people affected.

"I would urge students and staff at the university to act on the good advice that's being made available." For more information about mumps or MMR visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. Cheltenham based students or staff can call The University Medical Centre on 01242 714400. Gloucester students can call 01452 522709.