Per CDC:
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the salivary glands. Mumps is still a common disease in many countries, so it's important to get vaccinated to protect yourself. Most people with mumps recover completely within 2 weeks.
Key points
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can be serious.
Common symptoms include painful swelling of the jaw, fever, tiredness, appetite loss, and headache.
Get vaccinated for mumps with the MMR vaccine, especially before travelling internationally.
Signs and symptoms
People who are infected with mumps don’t get sick right away. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for them to show signs of infection.
Common signs of mumps are puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. This is caused by the swollen salivary glands under one or both ears. Early symptoms can begin a few days before the swelling. The most serious complication is brain inflammation of the brain.
Some people who have been vaccinated against mumps can still get the disease. However, they usually have milder symptoms and complications are less frequent.
Prevention
Protect yourself with the vaccine. Getting two doses of the mumps vaccine is the best protection against mumps. It's usually given as a combination vaccine called measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects against all three diseases. Your child’s doctor may also offer the MMRV vaccine, a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).
After the U.S. mumps vaccination program started in 1967, there has been a more than 99% decrease in mumps cases in the United States.
To learn more visit: About Mumps | Mumps | CDC
