Shocking new figures reveal cases of mumps are up nearly fivefold this year to more than 50-per-week.
The Health Minister has slammed anti-vax campaigners for “scaremongering” and frightening parents away from the vital MMR vaccine.
They claim there are serious side effects from taking the jab and there is a link between it and autism.
This theory has been repeatedly debunked by the HSE and many international studies, but vaccination rates have still fallen below the 90% mark here in recent years.
If this is above 95% it results in a “herd immunity” and it is generally considered the disease is under control in the country.
Mumps is normally not very serious in children but if teenagers or adults get it, it can lead to complications, including deadly meningitis as well as infertility in men.
Dr Suzanne Cotter, HSE specialist in public health medicine, said: “We need to see a vaccination rate of 95% to protect the community.
“They are not just numbers. They are children and we are talking about children’s lives.”
Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that usually affects children. The most common symptom is a swelling of the parotid glands.
They are located on one side or both sides of the face.
HSE official figures state there were 2,472 cases to the end of last week compared to 573 for the same period last year.
The steep increases are stark all over the country, with the largest rise in the HSE East region, which is mainly Dublin.
It showed the number of cases rocketed from 153 to 1,126.
HSE North West saw a huge 600% spike from 29 last year to 189 in 2019.
Simon Harris wants people to realise the importance of getting the MMR vaccination that protects from measles, mumps and rubella.
He said: “The figures are quite frightening and a stark reminder to parents of the devastating impact of mumps.
“Compared to last year, the number of cases has more than quadrupled and despite the many conversations about vaccinations and the importance of them in recent weeks, the numbers of cases are only going in one direction.
"We cannot lose our mumps-free status.
“We must do everything possible to protect it and our children against this illness.”
