Mumps is a viral infection that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands. These glands on both sides of the jaw drool Mumps was most commonly seen in children between the ages of 10 and 15 before the mumps vaccine was developed. Mumps is a common childhood disease. It is much less common now. Complications can occur, usually in adults. Hearing can be temporarily lost. Organs can become swollen and irritated. These organs include the testicles in boys who become adolescents and men. Infertility (sometimes infertility) of the ovaries or breasts in women and girls who have gone through puberty. Pancreas, meninges, heart and joints