Differential Diagnosis for Conditions Similar to Dengue
Single most likely diagnosis:
- Chikungunya: This is a viral disease transmitted by the same mosquito vectors as dengue, often presenting with similar symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and swelling, making it a common differential diagnosis.
Other Likely diagnoses:
- Zika virus infection: Similar to dengue, Zika virus infection is transmitted by mosquitoes and can present with fever, rash, and conjunctivitis, although it is often milder.
- Malaria: While the symptoms can vary, malaria can present with fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, which might be confused with dengue, especially in endemic areas.
- Viral hepatitis: Certain types of viral hepatitis can present with fever and liver dysfunction, similar to severe dengue, although the primary symptoms usually involve jaundice and liver-specific symptoms.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Yellow fever: This is another viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted by mosquitoes, with symptoms that can closely resemble those of dengue, including fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle pains particularly in the back, and headaches. The severity and potential for hemorrhage make it critical not to miss.
- Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can present with fever, headache, and muscle aches, similar to dengue, and can lead to severe complications like kidney or liver failure if not treated promptly.
- Typhoid fever: Caused by Salmonella Typhi, typhoid fever can present with prolonged fever, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain, which might be confused with dengue in some cases, especially in areas where both diseases are common.
Rare diagnoses:
- O'nyong-nyong fever: A viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, similar to dengue and chikungunya, but less common and typically presenting with fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy.
- Mayaro virus: Another arboviral disease that can present with fever, rash, and arthralgia, similar to chikungunya and dengue, but is less frequently encountered.
- Ross River virus infection: This is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause symptoms similar to dengue, including fever, rash, and joint pain, but is more commonly associated with outbreaks in Australia and the Pacific Islands.