Clinical Gamut of Chikungunya Infection

Chikungunya: A Viral Illness with Marked Musculoskeletal Involvement

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to determine the frequency and distribution of various symptoms in patients diagnosed with Chikungunya infection and to compare the occurrence of Chikungunya infection symptoms across different genders and age groups. Study Design: cross-sectional study. Settings: Private clinic in Karachi Pakistan. Duration: 4 months from January 2025 to April 2025. Methods: A sample size of 370 patients was enrolled in this study. Patients with age ranging from 25 -75years, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. They were advised to have Chikungunya serology done. If it comes out to be positive, then they were asked to fill out the Proformas. Approval was sought from the Ethical Review Committee. Data was collected in a pre-designed proforma. SPSS version 20 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: Among 370 patients with Chikungunya fever who were considered in this study, 150 (40 %) were males and 220 (59 %) were females. Most patients with Chikungunya fever were in the 20-30 years age group (32.4%), followed by the 31-45 years age group (27%). Conclusion: Chikungunya symptomatology varies significantly with age; young adults (20-30 years) are predominantly affected by joint pains, with fewer systemic symptoms. Middle-aged (31-45 years) have the broadest symptom profile, including headache, nausea, and muscle/joint pain. Older adults (46-60 yrs): Have a high prevalence of joint pain, joint swellings, and vomiting. Elderly (61+ yrs): Near-universal fever and muscle pains, but minimal GI involvement.