The Telegraph recently reported on a significant rise in cases of mumps, particularly among older teenagers and students in their early twenties. Cases have been reported across England and Wales, with schools, universities and colleges particularly affected.

Dr Mary Ramsay, an immunisation expert at the Health Protection Agency, said about the outbreaks:

"This large number of people in semi-closed institutions [universities, colleges and schools] allows the disease to pass more easily from one person to another. As the susceptible group is quite large we expected to see high numbers of cases to continue over the next few years."

Mumps is an airborne virus that is spread in the same way as colds and flu and is very contagious. Symptoms include headaches and fever as well as the characteristic swelling of glands in the neck.

The best way to prevent getting the mumps infection is by having the MMR vaccine. If you were born between 1980 and 1990 you may not have been protected and it's unlikely you will have been exposed to the mumps virus. The MMR vaccine can be given at any time and if you work somewhere like a college or university that has a high risk of exposure then it could be worth checking with your GP.

You should contact your GP if you suspect you may have mumps, and encourage your students to do the same. Although mumps itself is not usually serious it does share symptoms with other, more serious infections.

Current treatment advice offered from the NHS website includes plenty of rest, over the counter painkillers, drinking plenty of fluids and a cold compress for any swollen glands.