How does Mumps work?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which primarily affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located near the jaw. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person's saliva. Symptoms typically include swelling of the glands, fever, headache, and muscle aches. Vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent mumps.