Mumps, part of the Paramyxovirus family (Hunt, 2008) and also known as epidemic mumps (Medline Plus, nd), is a virus that has a worldwide distribution and that man is the only known reservoir (Chamberlain, 2013). Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands, otherwise known as the salivary glands, located below and in front of the ears (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). Although swelling, also known as mumps, is the most recognized symptom of mumps, it may only occur in about 30 to 40 percent of cases. Other patients may have nonspecific symptoms, basically symptoms similar to other viruses. Up to 20% of infected individuals may not experience any symptoms (The History of Vaccines, 2014). Characteristics Mumps is a negative-sense RNA virus with helical symmetry. They are wrapped and unsegmented (Hunt, 2008). This virus has been observed in approximately 95% of cases in children aged 15 years or younger (Chamberlain, 2013). Since mumps is primarily a childhood disease, approximately 50% of children contracted the disease before the introduction of the mumps vaccine (MMR – measles, mumps and rubella) in 1967 (Hunt, 2008). When infected with this virus, many others may experience symptoms other than swelling. Mumps is the main cause of deafness and also infects the central nervous system (CNS), causing aseptic meningitis and sometimes severe, in some cases fatal, encephalitis (Hunt, 2008 and Chamberlain, 2013). It will cause temporary defects in the immune response with fever of 103 F, difficulty eating or drinking, perhaps confusion and disorientation, as well as abdominal pain (Hunt 2008). Some people may experience weakness and fatigue or pain when chewing and swallowing... ... middle of paper ...... Chamberlain, Ph.D., Neal R. (2013). Infections of the mouth, tongue and parotid glands. Retrieved from http://www.atsu.edu/faculty/chamberlain/Website/lectures/lecture/mumps.htmHunt, Dr. Margaret (2008). Virology Chapter Fourteen Measles (Rubeola) and mumps viruses. Microbiology and immunology online. Retrieved from http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/mhunt/mump-meas.htmJack, Emily (2008). Diseases: A brief guide to causes, symptoms, history and treatment. Retrieved from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4067Mayo Clinic Staff (n.d.). Diseases and Conditions Mumps. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mumps/basics/definition/con-20019914 Medline Plus (n.d.). Mumps. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001557.htm The History of Vaccines (2014). Mumps. Retrieved from http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/mumps