Adult mumps symptoms

Mumps is an illness caused by a virus. It usually happens in childhood. Mumps is easily spread by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract. After exposure, the disease usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to appear.

Mumps is best known for the puffy cheeks and tender, swollen jaw that it causes. This is a result of swollen salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides, often referred to as parotitis. Symptoms typically appear days after infection, but this period can range from 12—25 days after infection. Some people who get mumps have very mild symptoms like a cold , or no symptoms at all and may not know they have the disease. In rare cases, mumps can cause more severe complications. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that passes from one person to another through saliva, nasal secretions, and close personal contact. The condition primarily affects the salivary glands, also called the parotid glands. These glands are responsible for producing saliva. There are three sets of salivary glands on each side of your face, located behind and below your ears. The hallmark symptom of mumps is swelling of the salivary glands.

Learn about our expanded patient care options for your health care needs. Mumps is an illness caused by a virus. It usually happens in childhood. Mumps are easily spread by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract.