HomeAnswersInfectious DiseaseschikungunyaI have a headache and body pains after being bitten by mosquitoes. Kindly help.

Can a mosquito bite cause headache and joint pains?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 22, 2024
Reviewed AtApril 1, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Mosquitoes have bitten me, and I am worried about my symptoms. I am having a severe headache that started behind my eyes but progressed to being quite a sharp pain on the top left side of my head. Today, I woke up feeling very lethargic and quite weak. I have also been feeling occasional body pains. it's like a sharp feeling at random points in my body that lasts for half a second. This has happened around 10 times a day for the past few days. I have also felt this occasionally in my stomach, sometimes just below my ribs and sometimes in my lower belly. I am also finding that I have a tight chest and difficulty taking full breaths, but it's possible that this is anxiety-related. I have heard that lots of mosquito-related illnesses start with a fever. Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Thanks for your query.

Thailand has mosquitoes that cause malaria (Anopheles ), Dengue (Aedes aegypti), Chikungunya ( Aedes albopictus) very commonly. While malaria causes spleen enlargement and liver inflammation, Chikungunya causes body pain, andjoint pains, Dengue causes rashes and body pain in addition to fever. All these illnesses would causefebrile illnesses. Body pain and joint pain without fever are less uncommon and without fever, it is more likely to be either of these infectious viral, mosquito-borne illnesses. it's ideal to get tested to know the typesof mosquito born illnesses.

The Probable causes

Chikungunya virus

Investigations to be done

1. X- ray chest ( PA lateral) 2. Blood- CBC, PS for MP, Malarial antigen, Dengue NS1 antigen, IGM, RT PCR for Chikungunya, Liver function tests, renal function tests 3. ECG (12-Lead)

Differential diagnosis

Dengue

Probable diagnosis

Chikungunya

Treatment plan

1. Tablet Paracetamol 650mg 1 tablet Thrice daily for 3 days 2 Tab Levocetrizine 5mg 1 tablet once daily for 7 days

Preventive measures

Mosquito protective measures like mosquito nets, mosquito repellants.

Regarding follow up

After lab reports

Patient's Query

Thank you for your answer. I am confused though, which illness are you saying it is most likely to be? also i would please like to know, how likely is severe dengue when first dengue symptoms are only mild? and what are the severe symptoms of dengue to look out for?
Thanks for your revert. The symptoms that you have described are partly seen in all mosquito borne febrile illnesses, however, closest is Chikungunya. However, due to symptom ambiguity, it's best you undertake the laboratory tests for correct diagnosis.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha
Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Infectious Diseases

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