Mumps meningo-encephalitis

Abstract

Between July 1981 and June 1985, 49 cases (36 boys (73%) and 13 girls (27%] of mumps meningo-encephalitis confirmed by culture of the virus from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were seen. Patients presented particularly in the late spring and early summer. A CSF cell count greater than 500 X 10(6)/l was obtained in 14 cases (28%), a total CSF protein greater than 0.8 g/l in 6 cases (12%) and a CSF glucose of less than 2.2 mmol/l in 2 cases (4%). Two cases are reported to illustrate the diagnostic problems which the infection may cause, particularly when the CSF changes resemble those of tuberculous meningitis. In 1 case neurogenic pulmonary oedema developed after a convulsion; this caused further diagnostic uncertainty.