mumps

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mumps (mumps) n. a common virus infection mainly affecting children. Symptoms appear 2–3 weeks after exposure: fever, headache, and vomiting may precede a typical swelling of the parotid salivary glands. The infection may spread to other salivary glands and to the pancreas, brain, and testicles (see orchitis). See also MMR vaccine. Medical name: infectious parotitis.

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