Mumps Mumps is also caused by a virus. The main symptom is a swelling of the salivary glands. The swelling is also accompanied by fever and headache. Adults who get the disease are more likely to have serious complications. Complications can include meningitis, which is an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord.
Males sometimes experience swelling of the testes as well.
Someone with mumps is contagious from about a week before symptoms appear until about nine days after they start. Once again, the CDC recommends the MMR vaccine to prevent mumps. Adults born before 1957 are again assumed to be immune. Rubella Rubella is also called German measles. It usually isn't serious but it is very dangerous for unborn babies.