The HSE has reported that cases of the mumps have doubled this year compared to last year. They are also reporting that there were six cases of the mumps reported among university students this year.
A representative told the Irish Independent 31% of mumps cases are in the 15-19 years age group, 19% are aged 20-24 and 15% are in the 25-34 year age group. Cases are occurring in other age groups but are less marked, the paper reports.
The HSE is reporting 400 cases of the disease diagnosed this year, compared with 184 cases in 2013.
The organisation's website states: "Mumps is a viral illness that is spread by close contact with an infected person and causes fever and swollen glands under the jaw.
"It can also cause meningitis, deafness and inflammation of the pancreas or testicles.
"Vaccination with MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is the only way to protect against mumps."
In Ireland the first MMR dose is given by GPs at 12 months of age, and the second dose at 4-5 years of age is usually given at school by HSE vaccination teams.
However, they are urging people who have not had two doses of MMR vaccine should contact their GP to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
