Those who have not been immunized against mumps are more at risk for mumps. Mumps is much less common in adults. Mumps virus is transmitted by respiratory droplets and salivary secretions. It can be spread by sneezing, coughing or even talking. Severe swelling and soreness of the cheeks and jaw are also common.
Mumps begins wth neck and ear pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, headache and low fever.
A third of those infected with mumps are asymptomatic. Most children and adults recover completely from infection in approximately one week. The initial infection is via the respiratory tract. There are no lesions at the site of the initial infection. The infected cells lining te ducts of these glands degenerate.