Mumps Epidemic

The Health Protection Agency has reported a surge in mumps, with 820 cases confirmed last year in London alone, double the national figure for 2008.
Universities and colleges are on alert as health chiefs warn that infection among the 18 to 25 age group could reach epidemic proportions.
Vaccination was introduced in 1988 as part of the MMR shot.
At first, children were given one jab, but in 1996 it was realised two were needed (at 13 months and again between the ages of two and five) to give proper immunity.
It is those who received just one shot who are now at risk.
The drop in intake of MMR in younger children has meant the virus has re-emerged.
Babies who have not yet been immunised are at risk when there is an epidemic.