A young adult has fever and swelling on one side of the face; which diagnosis should be considered?

• A. Meningitis
• B. Rubella
• C. Mumps
• D. Mono

Answer: (C)

Fever with swelling on one side of the face in a young adult is most consistent with acute parotitis, typically due to mumps. The parotid gland sits just in front of the ear and jaw, so its inflammation causes facial swelling in that region, and fever often accompanies it. While mumps can affect both sides, unilateral swelling can occur, especially early in the illness.

Meningitis would usually present with meningeal signs such as neck stiffness, photophobia, and altered mental status rather than localized facial swelling. Rubella presents with a rash and tender lymphadenopathy rather than isolated parotid swelling. Mononucleosis often shows sore throat, fatigue, and generalized lymphadenopathy with possible splenomegaly, not a focal parotid gland swelling.

So the presentation best fits mumps, which classically involves the parotid glands and fever. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine reduces risk, so consider that context when assessing suspected cases.