A 4-year-old child presents with fever, parotid gland swelling, and severe abdominal pain. Serum amylase is markedly elevated. Which of the following is the MOST likely etiology?

• A Epstein-Barr virus
• B Cytomegalovirus
• C Hepatitis A virus
• D Mumps virus ✓

Explanation

Mumps (caused by Paramyxovirus) classically presents with parotitis (unilateral or bilateral) in unvaccinated children. Pancreatitis is a significant complication of mumps, manifesting as abdominal pain with elevated amylase and lipase. Other complications include orchitis (in post-pubertal males), oophoritis, aseptic meningitis, and sensorineural hearing loss. MMR vaccination has dramatically reduced the incidence of mumps.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.