Mumps is an illness that is caused by a virus. The illness often causes flulike symptoms and swelling of the salivary glands that lie between the ear and the jaw (parotid glands). The virus can spread from person to person (contagious). It is most common in children who are 5–15 years old.
Mumps is usually a mild illness. Most often, children get better in about 10 days. Having your child vaccinated is the best way to prevent mumps. Children usually get mumps only if they have not received the vaccine.