Patrick Hanlon
A MEETING between Cumbria and Lancashire health promotion unit and the CIA was due to take place last week after five cases of mumps were confirmed and three more suspected in the college.
The meeting comes after concerns were raised at the sudden increase in mumps cases after the Health promotion unit had previously advised against offering mass vaccinations within the college.
Cumbria has already been hit by an epidemic in the last few weeks with west Cumbria being worst hit, 70 cases were reported and it now looks as though the air-born virus has taken hold of Carlisle.
Lyn Murphy of Cumbria and Lancashire health promotion unit said: “Last time we spoke to the college there were no confirmed cases of the virus, we will look at where the cases are and see if they are confined to one class or if it is more widespread throughout the college and then make a decision.”
Although 16 cases were reported in Lancaster with over half of those at the University, thousands of students were offered a three in one immunisation jab to help the most vulnerable who missed the MMR vaccine in 1988.
Murphy conceded it would be a difficult task and could take time to offer the correct advice as there are many different factors to take into account: “We would look at the vaccination history of the pupils which can be very hard and time consuming because some of the pupils don’t know whether they have had the vaccination or had the virus”, she added: “I would advise students to look out for signs and symptoms and if they have them stay away from college and if possible go home.”
Tom Payne, a multimedia 2 student expressed his concern at the virus that is going round: “Oh my god, I don’t know if I have had mumps, I didn’t know it was even going round. It is going to be very difficult as a foreign student to see my doctor so I will just see what college will do about it.”
Siofra Cognty another Multimedia student, was less concerned about the news of a possible outbreak of mumps: “I´m not worried the possibility of mumps because I had it as a child but I am checking with my doctor to be on the safe side.”
Julie Maddison of the student advice centre for CIA offered students some information:
“Any students who are struggling to find a GP should come and see us and we will contact the Health Authority and allocate them one.”
She added: “We just want people to be aware but at the same time not to panic, we should know more once the details of the meeting are announced.
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