Hundreds of people could be at risk from mumps after a sudden increase of cases in Colchester, it emerged today
The number of people with the disease jumped from just six in the whole of 2003 to 12 in the first half of this year
It could mean a 300 per cent increase if the current rate continues.
Medical experts say most cases are in the 11 to 30 age group.
But they claim the rise could also put at risk growing numbers of youngsters not receiving the controversial MMR vaccine.
GPs are battling against public fears that the joint measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination can cause autism.
Doctors at Colchester Primary Care Trust (CPCT) are concerned cases of mumps, which can cause deafness, viral meningitis and encephalitis, could escalate if youngsters are not vaccinated.
The Trust says mumps is highly infectious but urged parents not to panic.
In a statement, CPCT said: "The evidence is that MMR vaccine does not cause autism or inflammatory bowel disease.
"There are now numerous studies that do not support a link between autism and IBD and the MMR vaccine."
Published Thursday July 8, 2004
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