Mumps is a viral infection that is common in children between ages 5 and 15. This contagious disease primarily affects the salivary glands, located at the back of each cheek in the area between the ear and jaw.
The infection causes swelling of the salivary glands as well as intense pain. Other common symptoms include very high fever, headache, sore throat, sore ears, loss of appetite, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing, chewing and even talking.