Mumps

Mumps (also known as epidemic parotitis) is an acute contagious viral illness marked by swelling, especially of the parotid glands.[1] Though largely eliminated in first world countries due to the development of the MMR vaccine, it is still a significant threat to the third world.[2]

The most marked symptom of the mumps is the swelling of the parotid glands, giving the patient clearly swollen cheeks. The glands are typically very painful to palpation. The swelling is sometimes accompanied by fever, malaise and headache. The treatment for mumps is typically ice to the affected area, and acetaminophen for pain and/or fever.

## References[edit]

1. ↑ CDC Glossary of temrs
2. ↑ HealthTalk.ca