Mumps, also identified as epidemic parotitis, is a viral syndrome that is caused by the mumps disease. In the past, it used to be a disease that was extremely widespread in children; however given that the development of the vaccines it has become extremely rare in most countries. Most third world countries, however, still have huge number of cases once a year.

The disease is self-limiting, running its course before receding. There is no need for any specific treatment except for painkillers which are needed to deal with the pain. Someone with the virus is contagious from around six days before the symptoms first appear until nine days after the symptoms disappear. The incubation period for the virus is between fourteen to twenty five days, but can be as less as eighteen days as well.

The most common symptom of the disease is swelling in the salivary glands, which is very painful and makes it difficult to swallow. There may also be a fever and/or headache. It is also possible for the patients to have a sore face or ears, and in some cases lose their voice. About one in five people will not show any symptoms, and thus unknowingly pass on the infection to other people.

The symptoms are not as severe in children, but there is more pain when adults get the disease. When teenage males or adult men get the disease, there is danger of their becoming impotent, but this is still rare. There may also be testicular swelling in as many of thirty percent of males past puberty.

To establish the condition, a physical assessment is needed to validate the puffy glands. Generally, no laboratory testing is made to authenticate the disease as the clinical test is enough. If the doctor is tentative, it is feasible they will run a check on saliva or blood.

Mumps is a very contagious disease that is spread from first person contact with the patient's respiratory secretions like saliva. When a patient sneezes or coughs, the moisture in their mouth carrying the disease travels through the air and can enter someone else's body either through the eye, nose, or mouth. The disease can also be spread by sharing food, drinks, or kissing. The virus also survives on surfaces and infects someone if they touch a contaminated surface and afterwards touch their mouth, nose, or eye.

Since there is no treatment for the virus, it is recommended that heat or ice be applied to the neck area and Tylenol be given as a painkiller. Aspirin is discouraged, especially in children, as it can cause complications. Keep the person hydrated, give them soft foods as they are easier to swallow, and give them warm salt water to gargle with. Patients should avoid acidic foods and drinks like fruit juices as they will stimulate the salivary glands thus causing pain.

Whereas death is abnormal, the disease can influence other organs like the testicles in some cases. It can moreover cause gentle cases of meningitis or encephalitis. It is also likely for the virus to cause hearing loss or pancreatitis in some cases. Oopohoritis, which is irritation of the ovaries, is also a atypical complication. An extra rare complication in pregnant women (during the first trimester) is natural abortion.

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