Media Release

Date: 11 October 2007

Mumps has recently been diagnosed in four Waikato University students.

Three of the students are associated with an on-campus hall of residence which houses about 300 students.

Waikato District Health Board's Public Health Unit was notified of the suspected cases and, with the help of university medical staff, has since confirmed these.

All students living in the accommodation facility and those who have come in contact with infected students are currently being offered the MMR (measles mumps and rubella) vaccine free of charge.

"Although cases of mumps in New Zealand are uncommon, outbreaks in other countries such as Australia, UK and USA have recently been associated with college and university students," said Waikato DHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Anita Bell.

"Many students will already be immunised, so only those who are not, or are unsure of their immunisation status will require the vaccine.

"The MMR vaccine will not prevent further cases immediately as adequate protection in vaccinated individuals can take about four weeks. However, it will slow down and prevent further cases in the future."

Waikato University and Public Health Unit staff have taken a proactive approach, informing all university students and staff of the situation and providing them with information on the illness.

Letters have also been sent out to inform all Hamilton GPs.

Symptoms of mumps include swelling of the sides of the face and jaw line (parotid gland) and in serious cases can lead to meningitis, hearing loss and sterility.

ends