Mumps is a highly contagious infection. It results in fever and
swelling of the parotid glands. These are salivary glands
located near the front of the ear. Mumps is caused by a virus.
The virus is usually spread through contact with an infected
person's saliva. Since the virus is highly contagious, it
spreads easily among people in close contact. Once a common
childhood illness, mumps is now rarely seen in the Unite States.
This is largely because of the use of the vaccine, which
provides lifelong immunity. In some cases, people have no
symptoms. If symptoms do occur, it is generally 2-3 weeks after
exposure. There are no medicines or specific treatments for
mumps. Since the illness is caused by a virus, it cannot be
treated with antibiotics. Mumps should not be treated with
aspirin. Treatment is aimed at improving comfort, which may
include: The mumps vaccine is usually given in combination with:
All children (with few exceptions) should receive the vaccine
two times: The vaccine can also be given to infant