Mumps: Definition, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment - Verywell Health
Mumps is a viral disease transmitted from person to person by saliva and respiratory droplets. It causes swollen salivary glands, along with symptoms like fever, tender jaw, general malaise, and swollen cheeks. Vaccination has greatly reduced the chance of getting mumps. Before the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, most people in the United States got the mumps as kids. This article will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and possible (but rare) complications of mumps. Hailshadow / Getty Images Mumps Symptoms It takes time for symptoms to appear after a person contracts the virus. The symptoms usually appear about 16–18 days post-infection but can range anywhere from 12–25 days. Some people may only have mild symptoms and think they have a cold or may not show any symptoms at all. The characteristic symptoms of mumps include puffy cheeks and a jaw that is sore or tender and swollen. This is because of the inflamed sa