Differential Diagnosis for Viral Syndromes Causing Joint Pain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Parvovirus B19: This virus is a common cause of joint pain, especially in adults, and is often associated with a characteristic "slapped cheek" rash in children. The joint pain can be symmetric and affect the small joints of the hands, wrists, and knees.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Chikungunya virus: This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe joint pain, often accompanied by fever and rash. The joint pain can be debilitating and may persist for months.
- Dengue fever: Another mosquito-borne illness, dengue fever can cause joint pain, muscle pain, and bone pain, in addition to fever and rash.
- Zika virus: While often associated with birth defects, Zika virus can also cause joint pain, especially in the small joints of the hands and feet.
- Rubella: Although less common due to vaccination, rubella can cause joint pain, especially in women, in addition to a characteristic rash and fever.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- HIV: Acute HIV infection can cause joint pain, among other symptoms, and is crucial to diagnose early due to the importance of antiretroviral therapy.
- Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause joint pain as part of their acute or chronic infection, and missing the diagnosis could lead to severe liver disease.
- Ross River virus: Similar to Chikungunya, this virus can cause severe joint pain and is transmitted by mosquitoes, but it is more common in certain regions like Australia and the Pacific Islands.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Sindbis virus: This virus, also transmitted by mosquitoes, can cause joint pain and is found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it is relatively rare.
- Mayaro virus: Another mosquito-borne virus, Mayaro can cause joint pain and is found in the Americas, but it is less common than other viral causes of joint pain.
- O'nyong-nyong virus: This virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, can cause joint pain and is found in Africa, but it is relatively rare and often confused with Chikungunya due to similar symptoms.