Final answer:
The condition known as mumps, which causes swelling of the parotid glands, is caused by a virus known as the mumps virus or MuV, a type of paramyxovirus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inflammation of the parotid glands typically associated with the condition known as mumps is caused by a virus. The specific virus responsible for this infection is known as the mumps virus, or MuV, which is a type of paramyxovirus. This virus is characterized by an envelope with hemagglutinin and neuraminidase spikes and contains a fusion protein that aids it in fusing with the host cell membrane to initiate infection. Symptoms of mumps can include fever, throat pain, swelling between the ears and the jaw, headache, muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue.
Moreover, the virus can spread through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated saliva and can lead to more severe complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, and inflammation of other organs like the pancreas, testes, ovaries, and breasts. Unlike bacterial or fungal infections, viruses like the mumps virus are not susceptible to antibiotics, which underscores the importance of vaccination for prevention.