Which one of the following infectious diseases affecting the head and neck region is usually caused by Epstein-Barr virus?

Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis, is primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus is part of the herpesvirus family and is particularly known for its ability to infect B cells and establish lifelong latent infections. Glandular fever typically presents with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, which are characteristic of a viral infection and can often affect individuals in their late teens and early adulthood.

In contrast, the other diseases listed have different etiological agents. For instance, hand, foot, and mouth disease is commonly caused by coxsackievirus, while mumps is caused by the mumps virus, and stomatitis can be a manifestation of various conditions, including infections caused by different viruses or bacteria, but not specifically linked to EBV. Thus, glandular fever is the clear association with Epstein-Barr virus, emphasizing its role in head and neck infections related to viral causes.