Peer Reviewed
Rheumatology clinic

Chikungunya: a cause of persistent arthritis in Australia

Arvin K Damodaran
Abstract
Chikungunya infection should be considered in patients presenting with persistent arthritis, particularly after visiting an endemic area.
Key Points

    Mosquito-borne viruses can cause fever, rash and arthritis. In Australia, Ross River, Barmah Forest and dengue viruses are familiar. Recently, Chikungunya and Zika viruses have emerged in countries near Australia, with cases confirmed in Australian travellers. Patients infected with these viruses can present with painful, sometimes protracted, debilitating arthritis.

    Picture credit: © Science Source/James Gathany/CDC/Diomedia.com. Aedes aegypti.

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