Highly contagious infection, mumps, has seen an alarming rise in numbers this year – the disesease can lead to devastating complications including a drop in sperm count
A Victorian disease that can cause infertility in males after puberty has seen a huge surge in figures this year amid concerns more parents are becoming anti-vaxxers.
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency shows how several highly infectious diseases such as mumps, have seen a spike in cases. Although people have access to free vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella, confirmed cases of mumps were fivefold by the end of March this year, compared to what they were last summer.
Both measles and mumps have seen severe increases in the first three months of this year, compared to last, and the vast majority of Brits who were suffering from them are unvaccinated. From January to March this year, the UK has already recorded a suspected 1,600 possible cases of mumps. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed just one in 10 kids have had their first MMR jab by the age of two. By five, just 84.5 per cent of children have had both doses – the lowest figure since 2010/11, according to the 2022/23 annual statistics.
Mumps can lead to rare devastating side effects including viral meningitis and swelling to the ovaries and testicles. According to the NHS, a common side effect of mumps is a swollen testicle as it affects up to one in three males who are diagnosed with the condition after puberty. The swelling usually happens straight away and usually happens to just one testicle. However, in the most severe cases, it can lead to infertility in men. It has been reported that around 1 in 10 men experience a decline in their sperm count but this is rarely big enough to cause infertility.
Professor Stephen Griffin, a leading virologist at Leeds University, previously warned that an anti-vax rhetoric had become alarmingly popular among parents. He said: “People don’t understand how immunology works. That’s why we have vaccines. These diseases are not a problem nowadays because of the vaccines. And there’s a vicious circle of people who think they’re not a problem, so why bother with the vaccine? So, the minute you stop using these vaccines to their full effect, you’re gonna start seeing outbreaks again.”
Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, previously commented: “While most children are up to date with their vaccinations, there is more to do, and the NHS is running an MMR catch-up campaign to support more families in coming forward, with targeted outreach work for those identified as at high risk and communities with the lowest uptake. Diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella can make children seriously ill, but they are preventable, and millions of vaccination doses are given every year to offer the best protection – so please check your child is up to date with their vaccines and contact your GP surgery to catch up with any missed doses as soon as possible.”
Full list of symptoms
- Swelling of the glands at the top of your neck, either side
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Feeling sick
- Dry mouth
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
