Fever, Swollen Fingers, Tonsils

Mahesh had gone touring to the west coast from th mid west (USA). He came back with severe swelling of little and ring fingers (right hand), severe fever and tonsilitis.

Onset of fever was sudden.
Fever seems to aggravate around 7 pm and trouble him whole night and give some releif after perspiration early in the morning say 4 am.

Patient is dry, lips are parched, drinks good quantity of water whenever he decides to.

I thought it was a Rhus Tox and put him on wet dose method (potency: 30c).

Patient had no fever that evening/night and there was significant improvement in mental and physical condition. But next day fever seems to return.

His friend with whom he dined while in the west coast today reported mouth ulcers.

Is this a case of food poisining? Is Ars Alb indicated?

Please advise.