10 UCLan students have been diagnosed with the Mumps virus, causing the university to start hosting vaccination clinics. 

MMR vaccines for those of current university age (17-25) were given during childhood just once, meaning less protection. 

A spokesman for the University said: “During March we have so far received ten confirmed cases of students with mumps. It is infectious and we would urge any concerned student, particularly those under the age of 25 and who have missed out on two doses of the MMR vaccine, to report to the University Health Centre or ring their GP as soon as possible.” 

A memo for UCLan staff from Dr Kenneth Lamden said that the “outbreak does not appear to be linked to a particular group of students (hall, course or social group)”, although this is contested by an anonymous student who claims she knows of six students from the Media Factory who have contracted the disease.

 The Mumps virus is spread by coughing, sneezing, sharing food, sharing drinks, and kissing. The overall incubation period for the virus can be for 16-18 days. An infected individual can be contagious for 6 days before, and up to 9 after, although it is most contagious 2 days before and 5 after.

Usually symptoms include swelling up of the face (inc. cheeks and ears), especially salivary glands (located below and in front of ears), as well as a fever, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite and possibly a rash.

Doctors advise warm salt water gargles, soft foods, and drinking extra fluids to help relieve symptoms. It is also advised to avoid fruit juice or any acidic foods, since these stimulate the salivary glands, which can be painful.

Generally a person gains immunity after having mumps, although not always the case.

As of last Thursday, Lancaster University was reported by the BBC to have been hit as well, taking the Lancashire total of mumps cases in 2009 to 39. 

Vaccination clinics are being held next week at the following locations and times: 

Tuesday 24 March – 5.00pm to 8.00pm – University Health Centre, Marsh building 

Wednesday 25 March – 10.00am to 1.00pm – Darwin building foyer 

Thursday 26 March – 10.00am to 2.00pm – Student Union