Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a virus infection of house mice that may be transmitted to people through contaminated food or dust. The human illness is most closely associated with which condition?

• A. Meningitis
• B. Ray fungus
• C. Dermatitis
• D. Plague

Answer: (A)

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a rodentborne virus carried by house mice, and humans typically acquire it by inhaling dust or aerosols contaminated with mouse excreta or contaminated food. In people, the infection most often presents as a viral meningitis or a meningitis‑like illness, with fever, headache, neck stiffness, and sometimes photophobia, and CSF findings consistent with viral meningitis (lymphocytic predominance). Because the illness involves the nervous system, meningitis is the best match. Dermatitis, plague, or a fungal infection are not typical manifestations of this virus.