**Question:** With reference to mumps, which of the following is true?

A. Mumps is a viral infection caused by the parvovirus B19
B. Mumps primarily affects children and adolescents
C. Mumps is highly contagious through respiratory droplets
D. Mumps is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis

**Core Concept:**
Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. The virus primarily targets the salivary glands, leading to the characteristic swelling of the parotid gland. Mumps is particularly common in children and adolescents.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Mumps primarily affects children and adolescents due to their relatively lower levels of immunity compared to adults. Upon infection, the mumps virus targets the salivary glands, causing inflammation and swelling (parotitis). This inflammation leads to the characteristic swelling of the parotid gland, which is the most common site for mumps infection.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, not parvovirus B19. Parvovirus B19 is associated with other clinical manifestations, such as erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) in children and arthritis in adults.
B. Mumps affects individuals of all age groups, although the disease may manifest differently in adults due to higher levels of immunity.
D. Mumps is not significantly associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. The main clinical manifestations of mumps involve the salivary glands, not thrombotic events.

**Clinical Pearl:**
Mumps infection is highly contagious through respiratory droplets from an infected person. Infected individuals typically display symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, and malaise, followed by the characteristic swelling of the salivary glands. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications such as orchitis (inflammation of the testis), meningitis (inflammation of the brain), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).