Mumps is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands. Approximately one or two cases are reported in Montana every 3-4 years. Although older people may contract the disease, mumps usually occurs in unimmunized children. Several mumps outbreaks have occurred in colleges and adolescent groups.
Mumps is more common during winter and spring.
Mumps is transmitted by direct contact with saliva and discharges from the nose and throat of infected individuals. Approximately one third of infected people do not exhibit symptoms. The incubation period is usually 16 to 18 days, although it may vary from 14 to 25 days. Swelling of the testicles occurs in 15-25 percent of infected males. Other complications include arthritis, kidney involvement, inflammation of the thyroid gland and breasts, and deafness.