UNIVERSITIES are urging students to keep up-to-date with measles vaccinations following a substantial increase in reported cases of the disease.
Health Protection Scotland (HPS) has written to schools, universities and colleges in a bid to ensure students are aware of the illness and how to protect themselves against it.
There were 24 reported cases of measles in Scotland in the first half of the year, compared with just 10 cases for all of 2010.
HPS also revealed the average age of people contracting the disease is now 20-and-a-half.
A spokeswoman for the health organisation claimed the increase can be attributed to an outbreak of the disease in Europe this year, as well as young adults having received just one dose of MMR vaccine instead of two.
She said: “Older teenagers and those in their early twenties are very much at risk. This could be because many in that age group have only had one dose of the vaccine or none at all.
“Two doses of the vaccine began in 1996 but before that it was just one dose, which is less effective. I would urge students to make sure they are up-to-date with MMR vaccinations.”
The statement from Health Protection Scotland said: “There has been a recent increase in the numbers of measles cases in Scotland and the rest of the UK, mainly affecting younger adults. Measles is highly infectious and can be dangerous. It spreads easily in universities. Those who are not fully immunised with two doses of MMR are most at risk of developing measles.”
The appeal has been backed up by the Health Protection Agency which revealed that 777 measles cases were confirmed in England and Wales up to the end of July 2011. This compares with 374 cases for the whole of 2010.
Students are also being urged to remain vigilant over symptoms of meningitis, which is also common in young adults.
In Scotland, there were 70 cases of meningococcal infection, the most common causes of meningitis, for the first half of the year, compared with 99 cases for the whole of 2010.
In England there were 896 cases of the infection in 2010.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of the immunisation department at the Health Protection Agency, said: “Measles and meningitis are infections that can both be fatal, it is vital all students ensure they are up to date with all their vaccinations, especially the MMR and Men C vaccine.
“University bars and campuses where lots of students are in close proximity are ideal places for bacteria and viruses to spread, which is why we may see more outbreaks of these infections in this environment.
“The MMR will protect against measles, mumps and rubella -- all serious infections that can lead to many complications. Mumps can be a very unpleasant illness and can require hospital treatment.
“Although the Men C vaccine does not protect against all the bacteria that can lead to meningitis, it is still vital to make sure you are protected against that strain.
“There is no vaccine for the more common meningitis B which is why we are also reminding students about the early warning signs of this infection.”
Measles symptoms include fever, coughs, runny nose, red eyes and a rash. It is spread through respiration such as sneezing and is contagious.
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