The number of mumps cases notified to health authorities has soared a staggering 515% for the first seven weeks of 2019, compared to the same period last year. Another 45 cases were notified last week, bringing the seven-week total to 320. By week seven of 2018, just 52 cases had been notified. The age group most affected were 20-24-year-olds, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). There were 18 cases of mumps last week in the 20-24 age group and 14 cases among 15-19-year-olds.

Source: Irish Examiner February 21, 2019 17:26 UTC