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Health

15th Nov 2018

HSE issues warning after outbreaks of the mumps in Ireland

Olivia Hayes

There has been an outbreak in recent weeks.

The Health Service Executive has warned parents in Galway to be aware of any symptoms of the mumps after several children contracted the disease in the last month.

It comes after parents of students at a school in the town of Claregalway received a notice that multiple children exhibited symptoms in the area.

According to the HSE, there has been an increase in the number of mumps cases in western parts of the country – particularly among those aged between 15 and 29 years old, but now it seems to be affected children of a young age.

Parents are being advised to keep their children up to date with two doses of the MMR vaccine. It says an extra dose of the vaccine will not do any harm and is advisable to those who are uncertain if they’re up to date.

It should also be noted it can take up to 28 days before people are protected by the vaccine.

If a child develops symptoms of mumps, you are advised to contact your local GP and to keep children at home from school for at least five days.

For more information, visit here.