mumps

mumps An acute viral illness that is caused by a paramyxovirus and that usually presents with inflammation of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands. A child with mumps often looks like a chipmunk with a full mouth due to the swelling of the salivary glands near the ears. Mumps can also cause inflammation of other tissues, most frequently the covering and substance of the central nervous system (meningoencephalitis), the pancreas (pancreatitis), and, especially after adolescence, the ovaries (oophoritis) or the testes (orchitis). The mature testes are particularly susceptible to damage from mumps, which can lead to infertility. Mumps spreads easily through airborne particles of human saliva. Treatment involves rest and use of nonaspirin pain relievers to ease pain in swollen areas. Rarely, mumps can cause a form of meningitis, in which case hospitalization may be necessary. Mumps can be prevented via a vaccine. See also meningitis; MMR; mumps immunization.