Mumps is a viral infection, primarily affecting the salivary glands. The virus is transmitted by direct contact, or via airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract of infected people. Initial symptoms usually appear 2–3 weeks after infection, and include headache, muscle pain, low-grade fever and malaise. Soon after, swelling of one or both parotid glands appears.
There is no specific treatment for mumps. The virus usually causes mild disease in children, but in adults can lead to complications, such as meningitis and orchitis. Mumps can be prevented by immunization.