Final answer:
Mumps is an infection of the parotid glands caused by the mumps virus. It is highly contagious and can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle pain. Serious cases can lead to complications like encephalitis and inflammation of the reproductive organs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mumps is an infection of the parotid glands, which are the largest of the three pairs of salivary glands. It is caused by the mumps virus (MuV), a paramyxovirus with an envelope that has hemagglutinin and neuraminidase spikes. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated saliva, making it highly contagious.
Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and pain while chewing. In more serious cases, complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, and inflammation of the testes, ovaries, and breasts can occur.
Mumps infections are rare in the United States due to effective vaccination.