CHIKV joint pains may persist for months, doctor cautions

Dr Kevin Harvey, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Kevin Harvey is recommending mild exercise for people who are recovering from chikungunya (CHIKV) infection to assist with easing joint pain. He said there are some persons who may also need physiotherapy depending on the severity of the joint pains.

“In a majority of the patients, symptoms resolve in one to three weeks. However, some patients might have relapse of joint related symptoms in the months following the illness. Mild forms of exercise and physiotherapy are recommended in recovering persons,” he said.

Dr Harvey added that while most CHIKV infections completely resolve within weeks or months, there have been documented cases of CHIKV-induced joint pains persisting for several years.

“Paracetamol or acetaminophen is the initial drug of choice until other illnesses like dengue, are ruled out. Other stronger pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids such as those containing codeine can be used during relapse or prolonged pain. Aspirin should still be avoided,” Dr Harvey advised

source: jamaica observer