An acute contagious, generalized viral disease, usually causing
painful enlargement of the salivary glands, most commonly the
parotids. Mumps is a virus infection of the parotid glands, two
of the six salivary glands that are just below and in front of
the ears. This contagious condition, spread by respiratory
droplets, is commonly between the ages of 3 and 6. It has an
incubation period of 14-24 days. The common symptom picture
includes fever, swelling of the parotids, achiness,
restlessness. The jaw may become stiff because of glandular
swelling but with only mild pain. Testicular involvement occurs
in up to one fifth of males, especially older patients, and can
lead to sterility. Mild meningitis with headache or stiff neck
is, unfortunately, not rare. Any development of a painfully
stiff neck or severe headache calls for immediate professional
help. Mumps can look very alarming due to the swelling of the
parotids, changing the child's appearance quite dramatically,
but is not too serious. Actions indicated