A 3-year-old child presents with a fever of 102°F following an upper respiratory infection. Examination reveals isolated vesicles and ulcers on the soft palate and pharynx. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation

The presence of discrete vesicles and ulcers on the soft palate and pharynx in a young child with fever following an upper respiratory infection is characteristic of herpangina. Scarlet fever typically presents with a sandpaper rash and strawberry tongue, rubella causes a rash with lymphadenopathy, and herpetic gingivostomatitis involves widespread oral ulcers including the gums.