Rheumatic Manifestations of Chikungunya Virus Save

Chikungunya is a new viral cause of fever and arthritis, especially in endemic areas like the caribbean. The chikungunya epidemic has grown significantly in the Western hemisphere with a total of 1,247,000 cases and 183 fatalities since December 2013.  The most common manifestations of acute infection are fever, symmetrical polyarthralgias or polyarthritis, myalgias, and maculopapular rash. Up to 80% of patients may develop musculoskeletal manifestations that persist longer than 3 months. The most common manifestations are persistent or relapsing-remitting polyarthralgias, polyarthritis, and myalgias. Fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, and toes are the most frequently involved, but proximal joints and axial involvement can occur in the chronic stage. Chronic manifestations of the infection may resemble those of some autoimmune connective tissue diseases, like RA or seronegative spondyloarthritis. Symptomatic treatment and even DMARDs have been used to treat those with chronic arthritis. Currently, there is no vaccine or curative treatment.