• Mumps is an acute illness caused by the Mumps virus (Paramyxoviridae).
What are the symptoms of the Mumps?
The first symptoms usually are:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling of the parotid salivary glands. (The parotid salivary glands are located within your cheek, near your jaw line, below your ears.)
How is Mumps transmitted?
  • The Mumps virus replicates in the upper respiratory tract and is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions, saliva or through fomites.
What is a fomite?
  • A fomite can be objects, such as clothing, towels, and utensils that possibly harbor a disease agent and are capable of transmitting it.
How long is a person with Mumps infectious?
  • The infectious period or time that an infected person can transmit Mumps to a non-infected person is from 3 days before symptoms appear to about 9 days after the symptoms appear.
What is the incubation time for Mumps?
  • The incubation time, which is the period from when a person is exposed to the virus to the onset of any symptoms, usually varies from 16 to 18 days (range 12-25 days).
What are the complications of the Mumps?
Severe complications are rare. However, Mumps can cause:

  • Inflammation of the brain and/or tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis/meningitis)
  • Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis)
  • Inflammation of the ovaries and/or breasts (oophoritis and mastitis)
  • Spontaneous abortion
  • Deafness, usually permanent
How is Mumps diagnosed?
  • The infection is diagnosed by your physician or primary health provider. Sometimes laboratory testing is required.
How is Mumps treated?
  • Currently, there is no specific treatment for Mumps. Care is symptomatic. How can Mumps be prevented? he Mumps vaccine, which is contained in the MMR (measles, Mumps, and rubella) vaccine, can prevent this disease.

Reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention