Mumps is an acute viral infection caused by the Mumps virus, primarily affecting the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands. This leads to characteristic painful swelling in the face and jaw area. While historically common in children globally, its incidence has drastically declined in vaccinated populations.
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Mumps has been recognized as a distinct disease for centuries, with early descriptions by Hippocrates. The **Mumps virus** was isolated in 1934, leading to the development of an effective vaccine. The introduction of the mumps vaccine significantly reduced its global burden and shifted its epidemiology.
Mumps spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person, released by coughing, sneezing, or talking, especially in close contact. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with saliva or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one's mouth or nose. An infected person is contagious for several days before and after symptoms appear.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant Mumps activity in the past 30 days.
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Currently, Mumps case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.
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Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-03
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