Mumps Figure (Figure 24.14). Reprinted from OpenStax Microbiology (p. 992), by N. Parker, M. Shneegurt, A.-h. Thi Tu, B. M. Forester, and P. Lister, 2016, Rice University. Copyright 2016 by Rice University.

University of Notre Dame

An illness of the parotid glands caused by the mumps virus and leading to swelling

(Photo credits in References)

Mumps

Mumps Figure

Mumps is characterized by parotid swelling. Symptoms of mumps include fever, muscle pain, headache, pain from swelling, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and pain from chewing. Advanced infection can lead to more serious complications including encephalitis, meningitis, and inflammation of and damage to organs such as the pancreas, testes, and ovaries.

Mumps: Signs and Symptoms

The mumps virus has an envelope with hemagglutinin and neuraminidase spikes; a fusion protein on the envelope allows it to fuse to the host cell plasma membrane in the process of infection. The virus is highly contagious and is transmitted through respiratory droplets and contaminated saliva. The virus can also enter the bloodstream to affect other organs and body systems.

Learn Before

Related