YOUNG people in Cumbria are being urged check they’re fully vaccinated for mumps as the number of cases this year is already double 2008's total.

In the last month, over 40 newly suspected cases of mumps were found in the Allerdale area, predominantly among 15-24-year-olds.

So far this year there has been 106 confirmed or suspected cases of mumps across Cumbria compared to 53 in 2008.

Mumps is a virus which causes fever, headache and painful swollen glands in the face, neck and jaw. Although most cases of mumps are mild, some people can experience complications and these can be serious.

Dr Nigel Calvert, an associate director of public health at NHS Cumbria, said: “In the last few years there's has been a noticeable increase in the number of cases of mumps, particularly in teenagers and young adults. This can be a concern as mumps is a virus which can easily spread and in some cases affect fertility.

"If you've just started at a new school, college or university or if you're not sure if you've had both doses of MMR, please go see your doctor and get a booster. Mumps can make you feel very ill and it's so easy to avoid catching it."

The best way to protect from catching mumps is to make sure you've had two doses of the MMR vaccine. Both doses are usually given to children before they start primary school and one dose alone will not offer full protection. If you're not sure if you've had both doses, contact your GP and ask for a booster MMR injection.

MMR vaccine take up in young children across Cumbria is over 95 per cent.