Differential Diagnosis for Vomiting and Diarrhea with Fever after Eating Oysters
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vibrio vulnificus infection: This is a common cause of food poisoning associated with consuming raw or undercooked oysters. Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, and is more likely to cause severe disease in individuals with certain underlying health conditions.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection: Similar to Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus is associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, including oysters. It causes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
- Norovirus infection: Norovirus is a common cause of foodborne illness and can be associated with the consumption of contaminated food, including oysters. It leads to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
- Food poisoning due to other bacterial contaminants (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli): While less common with oysters, other bacteria can contaminate seafood and cause similar symptoms.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cholera: Although rare in many parts of the world, cholera can be associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, including seafood. It causes severe, watery diarrhea and can lead to rapid dehydration and death if not treated promptly.
- Hepatitis A: This viral infection can be transmitted through contaminated food, including seafood. While it primarily causes liver inflammation, early symptoms can include gastrointestinal upset and fever.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Paralytic shellfish poisoning: Caused by toxins in contaminated shellfish, this condition can lead to neurological symptoms, including paralysis, in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Amnesic shellfish poisoning: Another toxin-related illness from contaminated shellfish, it can cause neurological symptoms, including memory loss, in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Giardiasis: While more commonly associated with contaminated water, giardiasis can cause chronic diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset, and could potentially be linked to contaminated seafood.