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Mumps

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Definition:

Mumps is an acute , contagious disease that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food and helps you chew and swallow.

See also: Salivary gland infections

Alternative Names:

Epidemic parotitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The mumps are caused by a virus, which is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets (for example, when you sneeze) or by direct contact with items that have been contaminated with infected saliva.

The parotid glands (the largest salivary glands, located between the ear and the jaw) are often swollen.

Mumps most commonly occurs in children between age 2 and 12 who have not been vaccinated against the disease. However, the infection can occur at any age. The time between being exposed to the virus and getting sick (incubation period) is usually 12 to 24 days.

Mumps may also infect the testes , the central nervous system , and the pancreas.

• Review Date: 8/18/2006
• Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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