Mumps is an acute and highly contagious viral illness that usually occurs in childhood. Spread by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract, the disease usually takes two to three weeks to appear. Cases of mumps in the US have declined dramatically with the introduction of the mumps vaccine.
Many children have no or very mild symptoms.
The following are the most common symptoms of mumps. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. In most pediatric patients, mumps is a relatively benign disease. In adults, or older children, the previously listed complications occur with greater frequency. Sometimes bedrest is necessary the first few days.