Mumps risk factors

Overview
Mumps is caused by a paramyxovirus, and transmission of the virus occurs via contact with infected saliva, air droplets or via direct contact with articles that have been contaminated with infected saliva. The parotid glands are most commonly involved.

Risk factors

 * Unvaccinated children between the ages of 2 and 12 are at an increased risk of infection; however, the infection can also occur among other age groups.


 * The risk of exposure to mumps among travelers can be high in most countries of the world, especially for travelers who are older than 12 months and who do not have evidence of mumps immunity.


 * Immunodeficieny states