Autor(es): Peper Shana M, Monson Benjamin J, Van Schooneveld Trevor, Smith Christopher J

Resumo: We present a case of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in a 39-year-old female who developed an acute febrile illness marked by polyarthralgia - rash after returning from Saint Lucia. This epidemic-prone pathogen is increasingly likely to be encountered by primary care - hospital physicians in the coming months. The virus was first locally transmitted in the Caribbean in December 2013 - has since spread to 44 countries - 47 US states, affecting a suspected 1.2 million people. A mosquito-borne virus, CHIKV causes a severe - symmetric polyarthralgia that can relapse for months to years, creating debilitating illness - profound socioeconomic consequences. Current treatment is limited to supportive measures, which are dependent on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Research into immunomodulatory agents, antiviral therapies, - vaccines is ongoing. Prevention remains key in slowing the spread of disease. Patient education should focus on personal protective measures, such as insect repellant - remaining indoors, while public health departments should implement strategies to control vector breeding grounds. Given the possibility of relapsing - debilitating disease, general internists should consider CHIKV in the differential diagnosis of a returning traveler with acute onset of fever, polyarthralgia, - rash.

Palavras-Chave: Chikungunya; Symmetric polyarthralgia; Mosquito-transmitted virus; Caribbean febrile rash

Imprenta: Journal of General Internal Medicine, v. 31, n. 5, p. 576-581, 2015

Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1007/s11606-015-3459-3

Descritores: Chikungunya Virus - Virus ; Chikungunya virus - Vaccine ; Chikungunya virus - Chikungunya fever ; Chikungunya virus - Epidemic ; Chikungunya virus - Public health

Data de publicação: 2015

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