Between January and February this year, almost 1000 cases of mumps were confirmed in England and Wales – triple the number recorded in the same periods of 2008 and 2007. The South West and South East are particularly affected, with over a third of the cases recorded in these regions.

Mumps is a virus that usually causes inflammation of the parotid salivary glands. The swelling is painful and makes it difficult to open the mouth to eat, drink or talk, and can be accompanied by a fever. Rare but serious complications in mumps can lead to meningitis or infertility.

Students appear be particularly susceptible to this viral infection, as the increases are mainly among people in their late teens or early twenties. Although a vaccine for mumps is included in the MMR jab, this was not introduced until 1988. There are worries that students are among this age group that missed routine vaccinations or only received one of the two doses required.

In addition, since the last epidemic of mumps in 2005/6, there has been a turnover of three full year groups in universities. The Health Protection Authority suggests that this has created a new population of vulnerable students, which makes it easy for the virus to re-establish itself. The symptoms take 14 to 21 days to develop, and as a student lifestyle means they often come in contact with other people in the same age group, the virus can travel quickly before being detected.

Dr Mary Ramsay, who monitors mumps at the Health Protection Agency, warns that the increases will not be short-lived. "As the susceptible group is quite large we expect to see high numbers of cases to continue over the next few years".

The advice offered by health professionals is to ensure you have been fully vaccinated against mumps. If you suspect a case of mumps, see your GP for a diagnosis. In the unlikely but dangerous instance of meningitis developing (primarily detected by a rash that doesn’t fade, fever or stiffness) seek medical advice immediately.