Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe cause of mumps is the mumps virus, which spreads easily from person to person through infected saliva. If you're not immune, you can contract mumps by breathing in saliva droplets of an infected person who has just sneezed or coughed. You can also contract mumps from sharing utensils or cups with someone who has mumps. Mumps is about as contagious as the flu (influenza).
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- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 1, 2010.

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