Which of the following is a potential long-term effect of a severe mumps infection?

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands but can have more serious consequences. One of the potential long-term effects of a severe mumps infection is meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition can result from the mumps virus directly infecting the central nervous system, leading to complications such as neurological deficits, seizures, and increased intracranial pressure.

Meningitis can have significant long-term effects, including persistent neurological issues, hearing loss, and other cognitive impairments. The severity and duration of these complications can vary depending on the individual's overall health and the promptness of treatment received.

While the other choices may seem plausible in different contexts, they are not typically recognized as direct long-term complications associated specifically with severe mumps infections like meningitis is.