Regarding mumps, which is true?
**Core Concept**
Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. It primarily affects the salivary glands near the ears, leading to symptoms like swelling in these areas, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the pathophysiology of mumps. The mumps virus infects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, causing inflammation and swelling. This results in the classic symptom of parotid gland enlargement, which can be unilateral or bilateral. The virus also affects other tissues, including the pancreas, ovaries, and testes, but the parotid glands are the most commonly affected.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the primary symptom of mumps.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because while the pancreas can be affected in mumps, it is not the primary site of infection.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because orchitis (inflammation of the testes) is a complication of mumps, but it is not the primary symptom.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Mumps is a vaccine-preventable disease, and vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is effective in preventing the disease. It is essential for individuals to be vaccinated against mumps, especially during outbreaks.
**Correct Answer: D. Mumps primarily affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands.**