Differential Diagnosis for Cough, Arthalgia, Fever, and Exposure to Salmon or Trash
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono): This diagnosis is likely due to the combination of symptoms such as fever, cough, and arthalgia, which are common in mono. However, the exposure to salmon or trash doesn't directly correlate with mono, suggesting other diagnoses might be more fitting based on the full context.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Salmonella Infection: Given the mention of "salmon," this could imply exposure to contaminated food. Salmonella infections can cause fever, arthalgia, and sometimes cough, especially if the infection leads to a reactive arthritis.
- Influenza: This viral infection can cause fever, cough, and body aches (including arthalgia), fitting the described symptoms. The "salmon trash" part might be unrelated or indicate a non-specific exposure history.
- Viral Gastroenteritis: Though primarily causing gastrointestinal symptoms, some viruses can lead to systemic symptoms like fever and arthalgia. A cough could be present if the virus affects the respiratory system or if there's a secondary infection.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis (TB): TB is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its severity and the need for prompt treatment. It can cause chronic cough, fever, and arthalgia. The exposure to "trash" might imply a higher risk of TB in certain populations, though this is speculative.
- Brucellosis: This zoonotic infection can be acquired from contaminated animal products, including possibly fish or through environmental exposure. It causes fever, arthalgia, and can have a cough among its symptoms.
- Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause fever, cough, and arthalgia, especially if acquired through inhalation of spores from contaminated soil or bird/trash exposure.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Anisakiasis: A parasitic infection caused by eating undercooked or raw fish (like salmon) contaminated with Anisakis larvae. It primarily causes gastrointestinal symptoms but can lead to systemic reactions, including fever and arthalgia.
- Echinococcosis: Another parasitic infection that could be considered with exposure to contaminated food or environments, though it more commonly presents with cystic lesions in organs like the liver or lungs rather than the described symptoms.