Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects saliva-producing (salivary) glands that are located near your ears. Mumps can cause swelling in one or both of these glands. Mumps was common in the United States until mumps vaccination became routine. Mumps affects the parotid glands, salivary glands below and in front of the ears. The disease spreads through infected saliva. Some people experience no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include swollen, painful salivary glands, fever, headache, fatigue and appetite loss. Treatment focuses on symptom relief. Recovery takes about two weeks. The disease can be prevented by the MMR vaccine. A viral infection that affects the salivary glands that's easily preventable by a vaccine.