Mumps Mumps is an acute viral illness. Until relatively recently mumps was viewed primarily as an illness that affected armies during times of mobilization. The incubation period for mumps is 14-18 days (range 14-25 days). The prodromal symptoms are nonspecific, and include myalgia, anorexia, malaise, headache, and low-grade fever. For more detail and original CDC source click here: http://www.cdc.gov/health/diseases.htm. MUMPS Child with Mumps Disclaimer: Recommendations are provided only as an assistance for educators and for physicians making clinical decisions regarding the care of their patients. As such, they cannot substitute for the individual judgment brought to each clinical situation by the patient’s physician. As with all clinical reference resources, they reflect the best understanding of the science of medicine at the time of publication, but they should be used with the clear understanding that continued research may result in new knowledge and recommendations. Links to organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) or the Group on Immunization Education (GIE), and none should be inferred. The STFM and the GIE are not responsible for the content of the individual organization webpages found at these links. The Group on Immunization Education is responsible for the planning and administration of this web site. Web, Desktop & PDA Software Solutions and Services DanielWeaver.com