Parotitis is an infectious disease that is caused by a Paramyxovirus virus that is characterised by enlargement of the parotid glands located under the ears.

Like other diseases, parotitis can only be transmitted by contagion from person to person. The infection can affect individuals of any age, with complications affecting adults in particular.

Parotitis has specific symptoms, which allow it to be detected and is contagious in the first few days before symptoms appear. (Source: epicentre.iss.it)