‘Stay away’: Outbreak of mumps has uni warning infected freshers off campus

Eleven students have contracted the infectious disease mumps and be warned to stay off campus.

Seven of the group are freshers.

One student who has currently been advised to stay away from uni said: “It’s really sore.Basically the doctor said that the MRR jab that we have all had is only 80-90 per cent effective. It’s probably a different strain of it because we all (the girls I know) only have it on one side.

“It’s so painful. I can’t eat and I’m so tired all the time. And it is so inconvenient for the amount of work I need to do.”

Coughers in class could be contagious

Mumps is an airborne virus where your glands swell up to a point where you look like a hamster.

It’s most contagious for everyone else before you get any symptoms.

An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “There have been several cases of Mumps among university students. Mumps is a viral infection causing fever, swelling and tenderness in one or both of the salivary glands.

“People are infectious from five days before the swelling appears until around five days afterwards and should stay at home and avoid close contact with others until five days after swelling appears. It is spread by droplets and direct contact with saliva.

“The best way to prevent infection is to have TWO doses of MMR given a month apart. Please check that you have already been vaccinated and if not, contact your GP. As always if you are unwell you should contact your GP practice for advice.”

A University of Aberdeen spokesperson said: “The University is aware that there has been a rise in the number of reported cases of mumps locally, which includes within the student community.

“Students are advised to check if they have already been vaccinated and if not, to contact their GP. As always, if any student feels unwell, we would advise they contact their GP practice for advice.”