CUMBRIA'S students have not faced a spike in Mumps cases despite experts pointing the finger over an explosive rise in the contagious viral infection.

The university’s pro vice chancellor, professor Brian Webster-Henderson, however says they will “monitor the situation closely”after Public Health England said the huge rise in cases last year was driven by outbreaks in universities and colleges.

Provisional data shows there were 5,042 “lab confirmed cases” in 2019, compared to 1,066 in 2018.

Around 19 possible cases were reported across Cumbria in a two-week period ending Sunday, February 9.

Professor Webster-Henderson, said: “The health of our students and staff is extremely important to us.

“To date we haven’t had any increase in reported cases of mumps here and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“We are aware of the guidance by Public Health England and have communicated their recommendations to our student body.”

Colin Cox, Cumbria County Council’s director of public health said: “The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

“Outbreaks of disease, especially measles, have occurred when the number of people having the vaccine has dropped.

“If you are unsure whether you have previously had the vaccine or not, you can check with your GP.”

Students, born in the later 1990s and early 2000s who were not given the MMR jab when they were children, branded as the culprits.