ONE of Scotland's biggest health boards has reported a ten-fold increase in mumps since the start of the year.
NHS Lanarkshire said it had been notified of 31 cases of the virus since January 7, compared to an average of three to four cases a month.
The health board is now urging people between the age of 20 and 35 to get both doses of the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination if they have not already done so.
Dr David Cromie, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, said: "Mumps is a viral disease, usually experienced during childhood, but people of any age can be affected if they have not had the illness before or have not been fully vaccinated.
"Symptoms can include fever, headache, swelling of one or both cheeks or sides of the jaw and swollen glands.
"It's an infection that can have serious complications including affecting the brain and in very rare cases, can lead to fatal complications.
"If you have any of the symptoms, contact your GP. Tests can be carried out to confirm the illness."
The majority of cases at NHS Lanarkshire have occurred in men, with most residing in the in the Cumbernauld and Clydesdale areas, around Lanark and Biggar.
Dr Cromie added: "The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to protect against mumps. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide a 90 per cent chance of protection.
"People who are currently between 20 and 35 years of age will tend not to have experienced natural mumps infection.
"So, unless they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, these people will be at a higher risk.
"Those who have had one dose of the MMR vaccine only need one more dose to complete the course."
Anyone who is unsure of their MMR history can check with their GP to find out if they need the vaccine.
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