A 24-year-old pregnant woman at 32 weeks gestation presents with fever, maculopapular rash, and severe arthralgia. She returned from a trip to Kerala 5 days ago. IgM antibodies against an alphavirus are positive. The virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Which complication is classically associated with this infection?
- A Hemorrhagic fever with thrombocytopenia
- B Acute flaccid paralysis
- C Persistent debilitating arthralgia lasting months ✓
- D Encephalitis with temporal lobe necrosis
Correct answer: C. Persistent debilitating arthralgia lasting months
Explanation
The presentation is classic chikungunya fever caused by chikungunya virus (Togaviridae, alphavirus) transmitted by Aedes. The hallmark is severe, often persistent arthralgia that can last months to years. Hemorrhagic fever is seen in dengue. Acute flaccid paralysis is seen in poliovirus. Temporal lobe necrosis is seen in HSV encephalitis.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.