Health experts have warned that Britain is facing an imminent mumps epidemic, with teenagers and young adults most at risk from the potentially serious disease.
The stark warning comes as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine uptake has hit a 15-year low across the country.
The disease, which can cause infertility and in rare cases prove fatal, is entirely preventable through vaccination.
Medical professionals are particularly concerned about the vulnerability of unvaccinated young adults, as complications from mumps tend to be more severe in older patients.
The contrast in mumps cases has raised significant concern among health officials, with just 36 reported cases last year compared to 3,700 in 2020.
André Charlett, of the UK Health Security Agency, warned: "Cases are so low at the moment that they are bound to bounce back."
Symptoms of mumps include swollen salivary glands, headaches, fever and joint pain
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"It's likely we'll see a sudden surge in cases, similar to the measles outbreak," he added.
"It could be bad for unvaccinated young adults," Charlett cautioned.
Dr Susan Hahné, of journal Epidemiology & Infection, reinforced these concerns, stating: "It's just a matter of time before the UK sees a rise in cases."
Symptoms of mumps include swollen salivary glands, headaches, fever and joint pain.
MMR vaccine uptake has hit a 15-year low across the country
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While typically mild in children, the disease can lead to severe complications in older individuals.
About one in 10 men affected by mumps experience testicular complications that can result in reduced sperm count.
Professor Paul Hunter, at the University of East Anglia, highlighted another serious risk: "Another rare complication is a brain infection."
The warning over mumps comes amid a concerning rise in measles cases, with 15 new cases recorded in Bristol and Gloucestershire in the last two weeks.
Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in health protection for UKHSA South West, emphasised: "The MMR vaccine is safe and by far the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you."
Those at highest risk include pregnant women, children under one year old, and immunocompromised individuals.
"We all have a responsibility to help protect these groups by getting vaccinated and reducing the spread of the infection," Dr Wood said.
He stressed it's "never too late" to get the vaccine and encouraged those uncertain about their vaccination status to consult their GP.
