Measles Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for measles includes various infectious and non-infectious conditions that present with similar symptoms. Here's a categorized list of potential diagnoses:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Measles: The most likely diagnosis, given the classic symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a characteristic rash.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Rubella (German measles): Presents with similar symptoms, including a rash and fever, but is typically milder than measles.
- Roseola: A viral illness that causes a high fever and a rash, often seen in young children.
- Scarlet fever: An infectious disease caused by group A streptococcus, characterized by a rash, fever, and sore throat.
- Kawasaki disease: An acute febrile illness that affects children, causing a rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningitis: A potentially life-threatening infection that can present with fever, headache, and rash.
- Sepsis: A severe and potentially fatal condition that can cause fever, rash, and organ dysfunction.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever: A tick-borne illness that can cause fever, rash, and severe complications if left untreated.
- Toxic shock syndrome: A rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins, characterized by fever, rash, and hypotension.
- Rare diagnoses
- Erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease): A mild viral illness that causes a distinctive "slapped-cheek" rash.
- Enteroviral infections: A group of viral illnesses that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, rash, and respiratory issues.
- Adenoviral infections: A common viral illness that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, rash, and respiratory issues.
- Parvovirus B19 infection: A viral illness that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, rash, and anemia.