Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling in the salivary glands, usually on both sides of the face, along with fever and body aches. Most people in the U.S. have protection against mumps through vaccination, but outbreaks still happen in communities where vaccination rates are lower. Understanding what mumps looks like, how it spreads, and what to do if you think you have it helps you recognize the infection early and take steps to protect others.
The articles here cover what mumps symptoms feel like and how doctors diagnose it, what happens during the illness and how long it lasts, and when you should contact a doctor. You'll also find information about how mumps spreads, who is at higher risk for complications, and what the vaccine protects against.