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What infectious disease is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms such as high fever, skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, myalgia, and hypotension?

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Final answer:

The described symptoms align with staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), an infectious disease known for a sudden onset of high fever, skin rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, myalgia, and hypotension, with complications involving multiple organ systems.

Step-by-step explanation:

Infectious Disease with Rapid Symptom Onset

The infectious disease described, characterized by rapid onset of symptoms such as high fever, skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, myalgia, and hypotension, is likely to be staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Staphylococcal TSS is known for its sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain (myalgia), a body temperature higher than 102.0 °F, and a rapid fall in blood pressure (hypotension). A diffuse erythematous rash usually follows and leads to peeling skin 1 to 2 weeks after the initial symptoms appear. This condition involves multiple organ systems and has a mortality rate that is less than 3% of cases when properly diagnosed and treated.

Other diseases with similar symptoms such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) or Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) have much higher mortality rates and also begin with flu-like symptoms including high fever, myalgia, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. These conditions, however, quickly progress to more severe symptoms such as pulmonary edema, hemorrhaging, and shock.

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