Arthritides caused by mosquito-borne viruses.

Five different mosquito-borne viruses (chikungunya, o'nyong-nyong, Mayaro, Ross River, and Sindbis) have been associated with arthritis in humans. These agents occur most commonly in the tropics and subtropics. The symptoms they produce are similar and typically consist of fever, arthralgia, and rash. In general, the symptoms are of short duration (less than one week) and recovery is complete, although some patients have recurrent episodes of joint swelling and tenderness for months after infection. Treatment is symptomatic. There are no vaccines currently available; the best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites when traveling or living in areas where these diseases occur.