During monsoon season, when illnesses like dengue and malaria are common, doctors say chikungunya may go undiagnosed if the initial fever is mistaken for a seasonal bug. But spotting it early—especially by looking beyond fever—can make a big difference in recovery and avoiding lasting discomfort.

What Sets Chikungunya Apart

The illness usually starts with a sudden spike in temperature. But fever alone isn’t enough to identify it. Since many viral infections cause similar symptoms, it’s the combination of fever with specific signs that helps tell chikungunya apart.

Other Symptoms to Look For

• Painful Joints: One of the most telling signs is severe joint pain—often in the hands, feet, wrists, or knees. Unlike typical aches, this pain can be intense and stick around long after the fever fades.
• Widespread Body Ache: Many people feel drained, sore, and physically weak. The fatigue can be enough to disrupt regular routines and should not be brushed off.
• Skin Rash: A patchy red rash may appear on the body a few days after fever begins. It can resemble rashes from other viruses but often spreads across the torso, face, or limbs in a distinct pattern.
• Joint Swelling: Swollen or red joints are also common and may be confused with arthritis. However, chikungunya-related swelling tends to set in quickly.
• Head Pain and Nausea: Some people experience sharp headaches, especially around the eyes, along with queasiness or vomiting.
• Red Eyes: Mild conjunctivitis—or redness in the eyes—can develop in some cases. While not seen in every patient, it’s another possible clue.
• Stomach Issues: Digestive trouble like abdominal cramps or diarrhoea can show up, though not in everyone. When present with joint pain, it adds to the diagnostic picture.
• Blood Test Results: A slightly low white blood cell count might show up in lab work. Definitive diagnosis usually involves PCR testing or antibody detection.
• Mosquito Exposure: If symptoms follow recent mosquito bites—especially in a known outbreak area—chikungunya should be considered.

When to Seek Help

If you or someone around you has a high fever followed by joint pain, rash, or red eyes during mosquito season, don’t wait it out. Talk to a healthcare provider, especially if you’ve been in a mosquito-prone area.

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