Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. The virus primarily targets the salivary glands, leading to characteristic swelling and inflammation. Mumps is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with saliva from an infected person. Clinical features of mumps include the swelling of one or more salivary glands, typically the parotid glands located on the sides of the face. This swelling gives affected individuals a characteristic "chipmunk cheek" appearance. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Mumps infections are usually self-limiting, with recovery occurring within a couple of weeks. Complications of mumps can include orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) in males, which may lead to infertility in rare cases. Mumps can also cause meningitis and encephalitis, although these complications are less common. The Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) vaccine has been highly effective in preventing mumps and its complications.