A MASS vaccination programme is being set up by Huddersfield University to protect its 18,000 students from contracting mumps.
Seventy per cent of Huddersfield's students are in danger of the disease, which is sweeping higher education institutes across the country, doctors warn.
Three cases have been confirmed at Huddersfield and at least another 15 are suspected. Doctors are predicting a lot more.
Usually there are only one or two cases a year.
Eight universities across the UK have already been hit by outbreaks of mumps, including Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, Leeds, Exeter and Kent.
Doctors on Huddersfield University's website warned that up to 70% of its students could be affected.
The disease is serious as it can lead to infertility, especially in males.
Dr Alan Shortt, of the university health centre, said medics wanted to immunise students before the disease could take a hold.
And he urged them to take up the offer of vaccination.
"We tried to combat this epidemic as soon as the students returned after the summer but a lot of them did not take it seriously," he said.
"That has undoubtedly led to more cases. We are at a point now where students who are at all concerned about whether they are protected or not need to have the jab.
"There is no danger in adults having the MMR jab so they must not worry about that."
Those aged 17 to 25 who frequently mix socially and in an educational setting have been found to be at a very high risk of catching the virus.
Many teenagers did not have the controversial measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination when they were children because it was not introduced until 1988.
Mumps is spread by coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms include fever and swelling or tenderness of the salivary glands in the cheeks and under the jaw. It causes a great deal of discomfort.
Dr Shortt warned that in males the infection can be particularly dangerous.
He said: "In some cases, although rare, mumps can lead to the male becoming sterile.
"There can also be some neurological complications and damage to the nervous system.
"Anyone who is worried they have not had the jab or is getting painful swelling must see a doctor."
Cases of mumps nationally have been increasing dramatically since 1999 when there were only 372 cases.
This year 3,756 cases have already been reported.
Dr Howard Barnes, consultant in communicable disease control with Huddersfield Health Protection Team, said: "There is a lot of mumps around and it is particularly spreading amongst teenagers and young people, mostly those born between 1982 and 1990.
"I would urge anyone born between those years, who has not previously had two doses of MMR vaccine, to ensure they are protected."
Dr Mary Ramsay, who is responsible for monitoring the MMR programme said: "This increase is not due to the decline in MMR vaccine uptake, however it does illustrate clearly why it is so important that children are given good protection."
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How common is mumps?
Mumps peaks in winter and spring but it has been reported throughout the year. Before MMR was introduced in 1988 it was the cause of about 1,200 hospital admissions each year in England and Wales. This year 3,756 cases have been reported. More than 70% of cases concern those born between 1982 and 1990.
What is mumps?
Mumps is caused by the paramyxovirus, which has an incubation period that can be as long as three weeks from infection to outbreak. The virus is contagious for about a week before the disease breaks out, making it difficult to track down the source.
How is it caught?
Mumps is a viral infection spread by airborne saliva droplets from the nose or throat, requiring close contact before infection can occur. Most common after the age of two, the virus enters the body through the airways, then passes around the body in the bloodstream. It can end up almost everywhere - the kidneys, thyroid gland, pancreas, sexual glands and, not least, the salivary gland, which lie in the cheeks just in front of the ears.
What are the symptoms?
Mumps usually begins with two days of discomfort and an increasing temperature. This is followed by an uncomfortable feeling in the jawbone and a swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands. The body temperature may rise and the swelling can feel sore. The earlobes stick out and the face eventually looks swollen, causing pain when opening the mouth. In mild cases the swelling lasts three to four days, but it can go on for a week.
What are the possible complications?
The most serious repercussions involve infection of other organs. In 20-30% of cases concerning adult men with mumps, the disease infects the testicles (orchitis) causing swelling, pain, soreness and a higher temperature. This often occurs about a week after the disease has broken out, and is a serious infection that may cause sterility. However, among the few sexually mature men who contract mumps, only half get orchitis. Of these patients, only 10% are affected in both testicles, and even then it does not necessarily cause sterility. If sterility occurs, there is still a chance that fertility may return.
Can it cause meningitis?
It's not common but can be a complication of mumps. It may appear 3-10 days after the onset of mumps. This is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord. Meningitis is a serious disease, but in connection with mumps it is usually mild. The symptoms of mumps-meningitis are: headache; aversion to bright light; possible vomiting and typically a stiff neck, leaving patients unable to touch their chest with their chin and causing the head to bend slightly backwards.
What is the treatment?
There's no specific treatment. Usually all that is required is alleviation of the symptoms, with paracetamol, regular rinsing of the mouth, and plenty to drink. Staying in bed while the swelling and temperature is at its highest is advisable. Children can return to school when they are feeling well and the swelling has subsided.
Who needs to be vaccinated?
Today it is recommended that all children get the MMR vaccination, which is given at 12-15 months and again at about four years, which contains a vaccine against mumps. There's no upper age limit and two doses can be given at a three-month interval.
