It is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. It appears in warm climates with stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed: Africa and Asia mainly.
It manifests with high fever for 3–5 days, followed by red spots on the skin and very intense and disabling pain in distal joints (hands, wrists, ankles). Furthermore, it presents with intermittent outbreaks during months.
Diagnosis is clinical by interrogation of symptoms and physical examination; it can be confirmed by laboratory blood tests.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine, only pain and fever relief. The best way to prevent it is by controlling mosquito infestations and avoiding mosquito bites.
Generally, a doctor is consulted if symptoms persist, since it is not a medical emergency.
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