HEALTH bosses are calling for a greater uptake of the controversial MMR vaccine in the wake of a huge rise of mumps cases in the area.

Dr Terry Matthews, of the Health Protection Agency, said: "The majority of these cases have been reported since May and are affecting young people right across the community of North East Lincolnshire.

"Most cases have been reported in 15 to 24-year-olds.

"We would strongly advise teenagers and young adults to check they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is safe and effective.

"Some students in higher education establishments are too old to have been routinely vaccinated with MMR when it was first introduced in 1988, and some others may only have received one dose.

"Mumps should not be treated lightly," he said.

"It can be a severe disease, with potential for serious side- effects, including viral meningitis, long-term hearing problems and painful swelling of the testicles in males and the ovaries in females."

Dr Tony Hill, director of public health at North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus, explained how uptake rates for the MMR vaccine dropped significantly in the late 90s, after respected medical journal The Lancet published a theory the jab may be connected to autism and bowel disorders.

However, the author of that paper, Dr Andrew Wakefield, was widely discredited for his findings, and was later charged by the General Medical Council with professional misconduct for which he is currently under investigation.

Despite counter-claims, the scientific consensus is that no credible scientific evidence links the vaccine to autism and the vaccine's benefits greatly outweigh its risks.

Dr Hill said uptake rates in North East Lincolnshire have since recovered from the controversy and currently stand at about 90 per cent.

He added: "Preventing mumps is important as it can be a very serious disease, but immunisation with the MMR jab is also vital in preventing the spread of measles and rubella.

"Measles can be a very serious disease and, in some cases, can be life-threatening and the prevention of rubella is important in protecting unborn babies – so people must make sure they get themselves and their children immunised."