Mumps is otherwise called as Epidemic parotitis, which is a contagious disease. It causes problem with salivary glands and sometimes, it may develop into serious complications like brain fever and encephalitis or even deafness. The best way to prevent this viral infection is to get vaccinated.
Causes :
Mumps is caused by virus and it attacks only human population and is transmitted by saliva or droplets of saliva in the air. Apart from attacking salivary glands, it may also spread to other organs like pancreas and central nervous system, causing serious complications.
Symptoms :
Fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite, pain on the face, swelling of parotid gland and severe inflammation in the temples of jaw are some of the common symptoms of mumps. You will get these symptoms within 48 hours of the viral infection.
Parotid gland is a type of salivary gland found anterior of the ears and swelling of this gland may cause difficulty in swallowing and drinking. It becomes soft and tender and may cause pain in the ears.