Mumps is caused by which type of pathogen and how is it spread?

• A. Bacterial infection; common household contact
• B. Viral cause (paramyxovirus); respiratory spread
• C. Fungal infection; environmental exposure
• D. Parasitic infection; vector-borne spread

Answer: (B)

Mumps is a viral infection caused by a paramyxovirus, and it spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. When someone with mumps talks, coughs, or sneezes, they release virus-containing droplets into the air, and it can also spread by direct contact with saliva or contaminated surfaces. Because it’s viral, antibiotics won’t help, and vaccination (MMR) is the key preventive measure. This respiratory transmission differentiates it from infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites and from non-respiratory routes like vector-borne spread.