Which virus causes mumps?

Which virus causes mumps?

• A. Paramyxovirus
• B. Adenovirus
• C. Enterovirus
• D. Herpesvirus

Answer: (A)

Mumps is caused by a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, specifically the mumps virus. These viruses are enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA pathogens. This group also includes measles and parainfluenza viruses, which helps explain why mumps has distinct clinical features like parotid gland swelling. The other viruses listed come from different families: adenoviruses are non-enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses; enteroviruses are a genus within the picornaviridae with positive-sense RNA; herpesviruses are enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses. Recognizing mumps as a paramyxovirus aligns with its transmission, clinical presentation, and vaccination approach (such as the MMR vaccine).

Mumps is caused by a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, specifically the mumps virus. These viruses are enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA pathogens. This group also includes measles and parainfluenza viruses, which helps explain why mumps has distinct clinical features like parotid gland swelling. The other viruses listed come from different families: adenoviruses are non-enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses; enteroviruses are a genus within the picornaviridae with positive-sense RNA; herpesviruses are enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses. Recognizing mumps as a paramyxovirus aligns with its transmission, clinical presentation, and vaccination approach (such as the MMR vaccine).