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Differential Diagnosis for a 3-Month-Old with Fever

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Infection: At 3 months old, viral infections are common due to an immature immune system and exposure to various pathogens. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often include fever, which is a typical response to viral infections in infants.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs are a significant concern in infants, especially those under 3 months, as they can lead to severe complications if not promptly treated. Fever can be the only presenting symptom in non-toilet-trained children.
  • Otitis Media: Ear infections are common in infants and can cause fever, irritability, and pulling at the ears.
  • Gastroenteritis: Viral gastroenteritis can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea in infants.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Bacterial Meningitis: Although less common, bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Fever, irritability, and lethargy can be presenting symptoms, and it's crucial to consider this diagnosis in any febrile infant under 3 months.
  • Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Fever, along with other signs of infection, can be an indicator.
  • Pneumonia: Bacterial or viral pneumonia can present with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing in infants.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Kawasaki Disease: An acute febrile illness of childhood characterized by inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body. It's rare but important to consider due to potential cardiac complications.
  • Congenital Infections: Such as congenital syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can present with fever among other symptoms in newborns and infants.
  • Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Certain metabolic disorders can present with episodes of fever, among other symptoms, due to the accumulation of toxic substances.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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