mumps

Virus infection marked by fever, pain, and swelling of one or both parotid salivary glands (situated in front of the ears). It is usually short-lived in children, although meningitis is a possible complication. In adults the symptoms are more serious and it may cause sterility in men.

Mumps is the most common cause of meningitis in children, but it follows a much milder course than bacterial meningitis, and a complete recovery is usual. Rarely, mumps meningitis may lead to deafness. An effective vaccine against mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR vaccine) is now offered for children aged 18 months.