THERE are hopes that a mumps outbreak in Cumbria could be over, with only one new case in the last week.

Throughout November there have been eight cases across the county, leaving doctors on high alert.

Mumps has previously been recorded in Carlisle, South Lakeland and Allerdale, with other cases unconfirmed.

But latest figures show there was just one new confirmed case in the last week. This was in Allerdale.

It has prompted hopes that the outbreak may be over, though parents are still warned to remain on high alert.

Public health experts have urged them to ensure children are vaccinated to help prevent serious illness.

Mumps is a contagious virus resulting in painful swollen glands and a distinctive "hamster face" appearance.

It was common in children before the MMR vaccine was introduced but is now fairly rare.

Although mumps has been spreading across the North West, there were no cases in Cumbria until this month.

But since November 1, they have been confirmed in north, south and west Cumbria by Public Health England.

Initially three cases of mumps were recorded - in Carlisle, South Lakes and Allerdale. A further three - two in Carlisle and one in Allerdale - were confirmed the following week.

Last week another two were confirmed in Carlisle and South Lakeland, with just one more in Allerdale in the last seven days.