Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that usually spreads through saliva and can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. These glands are found toward the back of each cheek, in the area between the ear and jaw. In cases of mumps, these glands typically swell and become painful. Mumps was common until the mumps vaccine was licensed in 1967.  Mumps infections are uncommon in kids younger than 1 year old. After a case of mumps it is very unusual to have a second attack because one attack of mumps almost always gives lifelong protection against another.

The mumps are caused by a virus. The virus is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets (during sneezing) or by direct contact with items that have been contaminated with infected saliva. Mumps occurs in children ages 2 - 12 who have not been vaccinated against the disease. However, the infection can occur at any age. The time between being exposed to the virus and getting sick (incubation period) is usually 12 - 24 days.

Mumps may also infect the:

Central nervous system
Pancreas
Testes

MMR(measles mumps rubella) immunization  protects against mumps. It should be given to children 12 - 15 months old. The vaccine is given again between ages 4 - 6, or between ages 11 - 12, if it wasn't given before.
Avoid acidic fruit juices like grape fruit juice.