Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the parotid gland, a
salivary gland below the angle of the lower jaw. Mumps can also affect other
organs, especially in adults.
What is going on in the body?
The mumps virus is spread through infected respiratory secretions, for example,
by sneezes and coughs. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks after a person is infected
with the virus for symptoms to develop.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
A family of viruses causes mumps. Exposure to an infected person places an
individual at risk of developing mumps.
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