Mumps

Mumps is a common viral infection of childhood, although a third to almost one half of cases do not develop any symptoms. 14 to 21 days after exposure to mumps, painful swelling of the jawline and cheeks develops; one or both sides of the face may be affected. There may be mild cold-like symptoms, high temperature or pain in the abdomen. The mumps virus may also infect the covering of the spinal cord, causing a type of meningitis. However unlike bacterial meningitis, there is always full recovery from mumps meningitis, which is never fatal. In addition, the testes or ovaries may be affected in mumps.
There is usually full recovery from mumps within about a week. However, there is a risk that mumps infection of the testes may result in permanent infertility if a male gets mumps after puberty. Very rarely, permanent deafness in one ear occurs after mumps (1 in 15 000 cases).

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