Not immunised may cause pupils to contract mumps

The failure of some parents to bring their children to get the five-round vaccine immunisation is feared to be the cause of the cluster of mumps cases among pupils in Putrajaya, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

He said even though the number of cases for mumps in the country had decreased, there were still one or two cases from time to time.

"Last year, there was a time when we have more mumps cases in some places. This may be caused by a lack of antibodies. The ministry will check whether the pupils have received the immunisation or not.

"This is because there is a group of people who refused vaccination. If they belong to the group, the risk of getting a mumps is high, but usually it can be controlled and treated," he told reporters after delivering a Deepavali message at his residence here on Saturday.

Dr Subramaniam was commenting on news reports that 17 children from two schools here were infected with mumps.

Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department director Dr Zainudin Abdul Wahab said the cases in Putrajaya had no correlation with the pilgrims who had just returned from performing haj.

The patients were stable and had received outpatient treatment.

-- BERNAMA