Mumps is an extremely contagious viral infection of the salivary glands that most commonly affects children. The most obvious symptom is swelling of one or both of the salivary glands on the sides of the face. Once someone has had mumps, they usually become immune to future infections. Fast facts on mumps Here are some key points about mumps. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

• Mumps is extremely contagious
• Around 20 percent of people with the mumps virus show no symptoms
• Negative consequences of the MMR injection are incredibly rare
• There is no antiviral treatment for mumps; only the symptoms can be medicated

Symptoms of mumps

Mumps most commonly affects the salivary glands The main symptom of mumps is painful and swollen parotid (salivary) glands, which cause the person's cheeks to puff out. Other symptoms of mumps can include:

• Pain in the sides of the face where it is swollen
• Pain experienced when swallowing
• Trouble swallowing
• Feeling tired and weak
• Nausea
• Pain in joints
• Reduced appetite

Rarely, adults can contract mumps. In these cases, the symptoms are generally the same, but sometimes slightly worse.

Causes of mumps

Mumps is due to an infection by the mumps virus. It can be transmitted by respiratory secretions (e.g. saliva) from a person already affected with the condition. When contracting mumps, the virus travels from the respiratory tract to the salivary glands and reproduces, causing the glands to swell. Examples of how mumps can be spread include:

• Sneezing or coughing
• Using the same cutlery and plates as an infected person
• Sharing food and drink with someone who is infected
• Kissing
• Someone infected touching their nose or mouth and then passing it onto a surface that someone else may touch

Individuals infected with the mumps virus are contagious for approximately 15 days (6 days before the symptoms start to show, and up to 9 days after they start). The mumps virus is part of the paramyxovirus family, a common cause of infection, especially in children.