Which viral disease is characterized by fever and inflammation of respiratory mucous membranes?

The viral disease characterized by fever and inflammation of the respiratory mucous membranes is influenza. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, predominantly affects the respiratory system and is caused by influenza viruses. The hallmark symptoms of the flu include high fever, body aches, chills, and significant inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, often leading to cough, soreness, and nasal congestion.

In contrast, leukemia and lymphoma are types of cancer that primarily affect the blood and lymphatic systems, respectively, and are not viral diseases. While measles is a viral infection characterized by fever and a distinct rash, it primarily affects the skin and can lead to complications in the respiratory system, but it is not specifically identified for inflammation of respiratory mucous membranes like influenza. Thus, influenza is the most accurate answer regarding the described symptoms associated with the condition.