Parents are being warned to be vigilant after cases of mumps have been recorded across Cumbria.

In the past two weeks there have been six confirmed cases – in north, west and south Cumbria. Doctors have also seen other suspected cases, but these cannot be confirmed until test results are back. Doctors have also reported some further suspected cases, including in the Carlisle area.

In October there were more than 50 cases across the north west region, but none in Cumbria.

However since the start of November, Public Health England has recorded three confirmed cases in the county.

These were in the Carlisle, Allerdale and South Lakes districts.

The contagious viral infection, which sees glands swell up to give a "hamster face" appearance, used to be common in children.

However it is now rare following the introduction of the MMR vaccine.

Following the confirmed cases, a Cumbria Public Health spokesman urged parents to ensure their children are protected.

However he said it is possible that a child can still get it.

“Our advice is to ensure your child is vaccinated and if they do show symptoms of mumps, typically swelling of the glands in the neck, contact your GP," he explained.

"Unfortunately children with mumps have to remain off school for five days from when swelling began.

"The virus is usually preventable through the MMR vaccination programme, however in recent years some countries have reported outbreaks in previously vaccinated children.

"This has been attributed to possible waning immunity after vaccination and also possible reduced effectiveness to some strains of the wild virus.”

If a GP suspects your child has mumps, they will carry out a simple swab test to gather saliva from the throat.

This will then be sent away and tested to confirm whether it is mumps.

As it a notifiable disease, the local Health Protection Unit will also be informed.

Public Health England then publishes weekly figures detailing the number of confirmed cases in each area.

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Everything you need to know about mumps:

What is mumps?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection.

It used to be common in children prior to the introduction of the MMR vaccine.

What are the symptoms?

The most obvious signs are painful swollen glands at the side of the face, under the ears, giving a distinctive "hamster face" appearance.

Others include:

  • headache
  • joint pain
  • high temperature

How is it treated?

Mumps usually lasts one to two weeks and there is no cure.

Advice to ease symptoms includes:

  • Plenty of bed rest
  • Lots of fluids
  • Painkillers, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
  • Apply a warm or cool compress to swollen glands

How contagious is it?

Mumps is spread through saliva that is either inhaled or picked up from surfaces. A person is most contagious a few days before the symptoms develop and for a few days afterwards.

If your child has mumps, they should stay off school for at least five days after their symptoms first develop.

How can I prevent my child catching it?

The best way to prevent your child catching mumps is to ensure they have had the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

As part of the routine child vaccination programme they should get one dose at 12 months and a booster before they start school.

Regular hand-washing and using and disposing of tissues when your child sneezes can also prevent it being spread.

Can they still get it if they've been vaccinated?

Yes, it is possible. Once both doses of the vaccine are given, it should provide 95 per cent protection against mumps.

How serious is it?

Although unpleasant, mumps usually passes in one to two weeks without serious damage to health.

Complications are rare, but it can lead to viral meningitis if the virus moves into the outer layer of the brain.