A 4-year-old child from Bihar presents with high fever, bilateral parotid swelling, and stiff neck. CSF shows lymphocytic pleocytosis with normal glucose. Which virus is most likely responsible and what is the characteristic complication in adolescent males?
- A Epstein-Barr virus; splenic rupture
- B Mumps virus; orchitis ✓
- C Measles virus; SSPE
- D CMV; chorioretinitis
Correct answer: B. Mumps virus; orchitis
Explanation
The clinical picture — bilateral parotitis, aseptic meningitis — is classical for mumps caused by the paramyxovirus Mumps virus. Aseptic meningitis is the most common extrasalivary complication of mumps (occurs in 15% of cases). The most feared long-term complication in post-pubertal males is orchitis (epididymo-orchitis), occurring in 20–30% of affected males after puberty, which can lead to infertility if bilateral. SSPE is a late complication of measles, and EBV causes infectious mononucleosis with splenic rupture risk.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.