Mumps is an acute viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which typically involves swelling of the parotid glands. It is spread through direct contact, airborne droplets, or fomites contaminated by saliva. While complications are rare, they can include meningoencephalitis, orchitis, oophoritis, pancreatitis, and myocarditis. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms and confirmed through serologic testing or virus isolation. Treatment is supportive, and vaccination provides effective prevention against mumps infection and its complications.