Dengue Causing Early Onset Arthritis, Report Indian Hospitals: Expert Highlights How

Dengue cases broke a five-year record in India this year, with more than 5000 cases reported in the country till November. While the common symptoms of dengue, like fever, chills, and body aches, are well known, an interesting symptom of joint pain has been manifesting in several youngsters infected by the dengue virus.

To understand this phenomenon, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Anurag Aggarwal, Director and Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad, who warned, “The burden of tropical diseases like dengue and chikungunya on India's healthcare system has greatly increased.”

Dengue Triggering Arthritis

Recently, many doctors and hospitals reported that they have been witnessing an upsurge in joint pain and arthritis among dengue patients. “About 20% of individuals acquire arthritis as a result of the immune system disruption caused by these vector-borne infections,” shared Dr Aggarwal.

Explaining the mechanism by which dengue causes, or exacerbates arthritis, he added, "Pathological effects of dengue also affect muscles, tendons, joints, and bones." 

The doctors across India revealed that this phenomenon is more commonly being seen in young patients, raising a cause for alarm. This is because getting arthritis at a young age means that the person will have to live with the condition for much longer, and have to bear severe symptoms in old age. 

It's additionally concerning because dengue does not have a cure yet, nor does it have a viable vaccine in India. 

Also Read: Study Reveals The Benefits Of Moringa Flower In Your Fight Against Arthritis

Acute Reactive Arthritis

"Acute reactive arthritis during dengue infection and chronic joint pain following dengue are two common dengue-related pains," said Dr Aggarwal.

This is an 'unusual presentation' seen in viral feverish diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, stated a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

While research has been ongoing to understand this phenomenon, doctors are suggesting that such rheumatic problems should be followed up for at least four months after an acute dengue infection. 

So far, theories like the one proposed by the study mentioned above suggest that dengue can trigger arthritis in people who are genetically predisposed to it. 

Also Read: Why Are There No Dengue Vaccines In India? Doctor Shares Roadblocks And Strides In Dengue Vaccination

Concluding his comments, Dr Aggarwal shared that routine medical examinations are necessary to guarantee the early detection of arthritis and related conditions, especially if dengue patients present with joint pain.