Which disease is classically associated with parotid gland swelling and fever?

Which disease is classically associated with parotid gland swelling and fever?

• A. Measles
• B. Varicella
• C. Hepatitis A
• D. Mumps

Answer: (D)

Parotid gland swelling with fever points to parotitis from mumps, an infection caused by a paramyxovirus that famously inflames the salivary glands. The hallmark is painful swelling in front of the ear or jaw, which may be bilateral and is often accompanied by fever and malaise. This distinguishes mumps from other febrile illnesses: measles tends to present with cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and a spreading rash; varicella shows a vesicular rash in various stages; hepatitis A mainly brings fever with jaundice and liver-related symptoms rather than focal salivary gland swelling. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine reduces the risk of mumps.

Parotid gland swelling with fever points to parotitis from mumps, an infection caused by a paramyxovirus that famously inflames the salivary glands. The hallmark is painful swelling in front of the ear or jaw, which may be bilateral and is often accompanied by fever and malaise. This distinguishes mumps from other febrile illnesses: measles tends to present with cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and a spreading rash; varicella shows a vesicular rash in various stages; hepatitis A mainly brings fever with jaundice and liver-related symptoms rather than focal salivary gland swelling. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine reduces the risk of mumps.