The Mumps virus can be more serious for teenagers and adults

The director of public health says the viral infection is on the increase, mirroring the trend in the UK and hitting a slightly older age group.

In his annual report Dr David Jeffs says that although normally associated with school children, mumps is now targeting teenagers and young adults.

Guernsey doctors are using saliva tests to try to detect the sickness early.

Mumps transmitted through airborne droplets from the coughs and sneezes of infected people.

It takes about 16-21 days between coming into contact with an infected person, and symptoms developing.