Despite decades of mandatory vaccinations, there have recently been cases of the mumps reported in Massachusetts, as well as other states. The mumps virus is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person’s saliva. It can spread through kissing or on food utensils, towels or tissues. (Outbreaks on college campuses where people live in close quarters are not uncommon.) Mumps is often painful and causes severe swelling of the salivary glands. Symptoms include puffy cheeks, swollen and tender jaw, fever, headache, and body aches. Although rarely fatal, you should see a doctor if you think you have mumps as complications can be serious in some cases.