Kingston University is advising all student to check their vaccinations are up-to-date following a mini outbreak of mumps.

Four suspected cases of mumps have been reported to the university, which is now working with the South West London Health Protection Unit and Kingston Primary Care Trust to minimise the risk of it spreading.

It is not yet known what caused the outbreak or how close together the cases were reported.

The university is asking all students to check they have been immunised with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and to contact their doctor if not.

Dr Yvonne Young, consultant in communicable disease control at the South West London Health Protection Unit said: “We are working with Kingston University to help prevent further cases of mumps.

“We strongly recommend that students at the university who have not been immunised against mumps contact their GP and arrange to have two doses of the MMR vaccine to ensure they are adequately protected from the virus.

“They also need to be aware that one dose of the MMR vaccine is not enough to protect against the illness.”

Symptoms of mumps includes headaches, earache and a fever followed by painful swelling of the face around the cheeks and jaw.

Complications are rare, but can include testicular swelling, severe abdominal pain and meningitis.

For more information, contact NHS Direct on 0845 467 47.

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