The mumps virus is a contagious virus that primarily affects the salivary glands, leading to swelling and pain. It is part of the Paramyxoviridae family and is transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person's saliva. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, and swollen glands, which can appear about 16 to 18 days after exposure. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent mumps, with the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) being widely used. While mumps is generally mild, it can lead to complications such as orchitis, meningitis, or hearing loss in some cases.