HAMPSHIRE residents are being urged to get vaccinated following an outbreak of Mumps in the south.

Health chiefs at NHS Hampshire are calling on people of all ages to get an MMR jab to help prevent the spread of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German measles).

The warning comes after 45 students were struck down with the virus at both of Oxford's universities in the last three weeks.

There have been no outbreaks across Hampshire but doctors want to prevent the spread of the disease, which can cause deafness and meningitis in extreme cases.

Noeleen McFarland, public health manager at NHS Hampshire, said: "Mumps is an acute viral illness transmitted by direct contact with saliva or droplets from the saliva of an infected person.

"Mumps is as infectious as influenza. It can take 14 to 21 days from exposure to the virus to the onset of symptoms. Symptoms begin with a headache and fever for a day or two before glands in your neck swell, which may be on one or both sides.

"Exposed individuals should be considered infectious from 12 to 25 days after exposure."

Dr Stuart Ward, clinical director at NHS Hampshire, added: "There is no specific treatment for Mumps. Treatment should be based on alleviating symptoms, as discussed with your GP. If you or your child hasn't been vaccinated or you're not sure if you have been just contact your GP practice."

Children are vaccinated against mumps when they have the MMR vaccine, although adults need another dose to make sure it is effective.

The introduction of the vaccine in 1988 helped halt a three yearly cycle of mumps epidemics.

If you are unsure whether you or your children have been properly vaccinated you should contact your GP.

HOW TO SPOT IT MUMPS is an acute viral illness, which is transmitted through coughs, sneezes and saliva.

Symptoms include painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, swollen glands below the ears and difficulty swallowing.

It usually takes between 16 and 18 days for the symptoms to develop, and people are infectious between two days before and four days after the start of symptoms.

Mumps is normally a mild illness, but in a minority of cases there can be severe complications.