The mumps virus is spread by direct contact via the respiratory route, by coughing, sneezing, or simply talking with a person infected. A child with mumps will be infectious to others since several days before the glands become noticeably swollen, until the swelling is gone, that is for at least ten days after the first sign of inflammation. Central nervous system involvement in the form of aseptic meningitis is common. There is testicular swelling, tenderness, nausea, vomiting, fever. Sterility secondary to orchitis is rare.
Mumps is the leading cause of deafness.
The incidence is low, and the hearing loss may be transient or permanent. In schools and child care centers, children should be excluded until 10 days after the onset of parotid gland swelling. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Bed rest, lots of fluids, acetaminophen for fever and adjustments in the diet, depending on patients ability to chew is recommended. It is important to seek medical advice for confirmation of the diagnosis, since other diseases can also cause swelling of the salivary glands.