Read condition-specific symptoms and clinical context for Mumps orthorubulavirus. A contagious virus best known for a swollen jaw and puffy cheeks.
Mumps is caused by a virus that infects the salivary glands and spreads through saliva or respiratory droplets. CDC describes puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw as its best-known sign, with most people recovering completely within two weeks. Vaccinated people can still get mumps, usually with milder symptoms and fewer complications.
CDC states symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after infection, but may appear 12 to 25 days after infection. Some people have very mild symptoms or none at all.
Possible symptoms: Puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw; Fever; Headache; Muscle aches; Tiredness; Loss of appetite.
CDC advises telling a doctor right away if mumps is suspected and limiting contact with others for up to 5 days after swelling begins. Complications listed include encephalitis, meningitis and hearing loss.
Source check: 2026-09-19. Educational content; independent scientific review remains pending.