Which describes the classic sequence of symptoms in mumps?

Which describes the classic sequence of symptoms in mumps?

• A. Parotid swelling first, then fever and malaise
• B. Fever, headache, myalgia, and anorexia followed by parotid swelling within 48 hours
• C. Rash and pruritus followed by salivary gland swelling
• D. Chronic cough with sputum production

Answer: (B)

In mumps, the classic pattern starts with a prodrome of nonspecific systemic symptoms before the salivary glands become noticeably enlarged. The typical prodrome includes fever, malaise, headache, myalgias, and anorexia, and parotid gland swelling usually follows within about 48 hours. That sequence—systemic symptoms first, then parotid swelling—fits the described option best. So this choice is correct because it mirrors the well-known progression: initial constitutional symptoms, then parotid swelling appearing within two days. The other descriptions don’t fit the usual course: a parotid swelling that comes first isn’t the classic pattern; a rash with pruritus points more toward rubella or other rash illnesses; and a chronic cough with sputum suggests a respiratory infection unrelated to mumps.

In mumps, the classic pattern starts with a prodrome of nonspecific systemic symptoms before the salivary glands become noticeably enlarged. The typical prodrome includes fever, malaise, headache, myalgias, and anorexia, and parotid gland swelling usually follows within about 48 hours. That sequence—systemic symptoms first, then parotid swelling—fits the described option best.

So this choice is correct because it mirrors the well-known progression: initial constitutional symptoms, then parotid swelling appearing within two days. The other descriptions don’t fit the usual course: a parotid swelling that comes first isn’t the classic pattern; a rash with pruritus points more toward rubella or other rash illnesses; and a chronic cough with sputum suggests a respiratory infection unrelated to mumps.