Dundee could be at risk of an outbreak of mumps among young people.
There have been 242 confirmed cases of mumps in Scotland this year a sharp increase from 45 cases in the same period in 2014 and a study by Health Protection Scotland found the spread of the disease could be due to a high population of young people.
The contagious viral infection, which used to be common in children, is most recognisable by the painful swellings at the side of the face.
Dundee has been cited as an area that could be at risk, along with Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
However, Dr Lucy Denvir, a consultant in public health, said it is important not to panic.
She said: “When it comes to mumps, you more commonly get outbreaks in student populations, which is perhaps why Dundee has been mentioned.
“Those born between 1980 and 1990 are too young to be naturally immune to the virus and too old to have been vaccinated, as the vaccine was introduced in 1988.
“Although there have been catch-up immunisations, there will still be some people in this age group who will be under-vaccinated.
“The nature of the mumps virus means there is more chance of it spreading when people are in close proximity to each other such as in student residences, lecture halls and pubs and clubs.
“Figures are up on last year, but it is important to note that the numbers are so small that it is impossible to say if there is an actual increase or if this is just chance.”
Dr Denvir added: “Overall, there is an increase in mumps on a national level.
“But in Tayside, the rate of cases per 100,000 people is a lot lower than other areas in Scotland.
“The local cases we do have are largely in the age group most at risk.”
So far this year, there have been nine laboratory-tested cases in Tayside.
That figure compares with five cases confirmed during the same period in 2014.