what is mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral illness that typically affects the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands located on each side of the face. It is caused by the mumps virus, which is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person's saliva. The common symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swelling of the salivary glands, which can cause puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. While most people recover from mumps without complications, it can lead to serious issues such as meningitis, encephalitis, inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, and deafness. Vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent mumps