Final answer:
A child with fever and parotitis is likely to be diagnosed with mumps. Complications of mumps can include meningitis, encephalitis, orchitis, oophoritis, and pancreatitis. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is important to prevent mumps.
Step-by-step explanation:
A child with fever and parotitis, which is inflammation of the salivary glands, is likely to be diagnosed with mumps. Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands, headache, and muscle aches. The diagnosis of mumps is based on clinical symptoms and can be confirmed through laboratory tests.
Complications of mumps can include:
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord. This can cause symptoms such as severe headaches, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, which can lead to neurological problems and, in severe cases, permanent brain damage or death.
- Orchitis: In males, inflammation of the testicles, which can cause testicular pain, swelling, and, in rare cases, sterility.
- Oophoritis: In females, inflammation of the ovaries, which can cause abdominal pain and, in rare cases, infertility.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause abdominal pain and digestive problems.
It is important to prevent mumps by vaccinating children with the MMR vaccine, which provides protection against mumps, measles, and rubella.