Mumps most commonly refers to a systemic disease caused by the mumps virus, which is a paramyxovirus. In the era of mumps vaccine, acute infections of the salivary glands may also be caused by bacteria and other viruses. Although infection of the parotid glands is the most common manifestation in classic mumps, many other organs can be involved. Once considered a routine childhood illness, the incidence of mumps has shown a dramatic decrease since the introduction of the mumps vaccine in 1967.
Humans are the only reservoir for the mumps virus.
If not otherwise specified, the use of mumps in this chapter refers to infection with the paramyxovirus. Signs and symptoms of mumps infection are due to direct invasion by the virus. The parotid glands, testes, pancreas, eyes, and ovaries frequently are involved. The mumps virus also is neurotropic, resulting in meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, polyneuritis, polyradiculitis, and cranial neuritis. There also is frequent renal involvement.