Author: Gretchen Hinson M.D. Educational Pearls: The key imaging of a mumps patient is “chipmunk cheeks” or parotitis. The swelling can extend almost to the ears and can be extremely painful - in about 25% of cases the swelling is unilateral. Other organs can be involved as well including: testicles, ovaries, breast tissue, other salivary glands, and the brain/spinal cord. Mumps is transmitted through droplets in the air. Two immunizations will get you 88% probability immunity and one immunization will get you 78% probability of immunity. Yet, immunity can wane and there can be viral strains not covered by the immunization. Mumps outbreaks are common in the winter season because of close quarters. You can test for Mumps using an IGM blood test, (more likely to see a spike in this if the patient is not vaccinated) Buckle swabs, & Urine test. References: https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/index.html