A 9-year-old boy who presents to the Emergency Department with fever, headache, sore throat, and vomiting. He recently arrived from Africa with his parents. On examination, he show... A 9-year-old boy who presents to the Emergency Department with fever, headache, sore throat, and vomiting. He recently arrived from Africa with his parents. On examination, he shows abnormal reflexes, stiff neck and difficulty in lifting his head and legs when he was lying flat on his back. His laboratory investigations show a clear CSF with lymphocytosis, normal glucose level, and normal protein level. No bacteria were seen. Which of the following is the most likely organism responsible for his illness?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a clinical scenario involving a 9-year-old boy with specific symptoms and laboratory findings, and it asks which organism is most likely causing his illness, focusing on the differential diagnosis of viral infections.
Answer
Poliovirus
The final answer is Poliovirus.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is Poliovirus.
More Information
The clinical presentation alongside the laboratory findings suggest viral meningitis with symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, and abnormal reflexes, typical in poliomyelitis. The travel history from Africa increases the likelihood of poliovirus, as it has been endemic in certain regions.
Tips
A common mistake is not considering the travel history and geographical prevalence of diseases like polio.
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