The mumps virus appears to have been present since ancient times. Research states that the virus was documented or recorded by Hippocrates in the 5th century BC (Epidemiology of Mumps and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases). We give credit to Johnson and Goodpasture for helping determine how the virus spreads. This particular virus was and still is known throughout the world but became a reported disease in the United States in 1968. The story behind mumps is not very detailed but today we are able to prevent this disease here in the United States. The structure of mumps is a single-stranded RNA virus. Its genus is Rubulavirus which is part of the Paramyxoviridae family. Mumps virus is an acute virus that could become very harmful if left untreated. While it is no longer very prevalent in the United States, when outbreaks occur, things can get very serious very quickly. Of course these outbreaks result from natural occurrences of people who have not been vaccinated (more on that later) and have never had the disease. In previous years the mumps virus occurred mostly in infants and children and also among the military, but now, if it occurs, it is mostly found in adults. To be infected with the mumps virus you must be in direct contact with it. The virus spreads through the salivary and respiratory secretions of its host, humans (Marjorie, KC). Whether through kisses or droplets from a simple sneeze, the virus spreads very easily and is also very contagious. Once infected by the virus, normal non-specific symptoms such as headache, malaise and muscle pain begin to appear. Only after about 16-18 days will you see specific symptoms such as mumps which...... middle of paper ......be careful and know the symptoms because waiting too long could have serious and harmful effects.Works CitedACC . (2013). Measles and mumps test. Retrieved from http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/measles/tab/testCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Epidemiology of mumps and prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/mumps.html#featuresMarjorie, K.C., (2013). Fundamentals of microbiology a clinical approach. McGraw-Hill. New York. NYMcLean, HQ Fiebelkorn, PA (2013) Prevention of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome and mumps, 2013, 62(4), 6-7. Retrieved from http://ezp.gvltec.edu:2073/pdf29_30/pdf/2013/1CEF/14Jun13/90159230.pdf?T=P&P=AN&K=2012255934&S=R&D=rzh&EbscoContent=dGJyMMvl7ESeqLQ4y9f3OLCmr0yeq LFSrqe 4SraWxWXS&ContentCustomer=dGJyMOXo433s7OpT69fnhrnb5ofx6gAA