Health Library

Viral arthritis

Infectious arthritis - viral

Viral arthritis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of a joint caused by a viral infection.

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Causes

Arthritis may be a symptom of many virus-related illnesses. It usually disappears on its own without any lasting effects.

It may occur with infection by:

• Enterovirus
• Dengue virus
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Human parvovirus
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Alphaviruses, including chikungunya
• Cytomegalovirus
• Zika virus
• Adenovirus
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Ebola virus

Note: This list is not all inclusive.

It may also occur after immunization with the rubella vaccine, which is typically given to children.

While many people are infected with these viruses or receive the rubella vaccine, only a few people develop arthritis. No risk factors are known.

Symptoms

The main symptoms are joint pain and swelling of one or more joints.

Exams and Tests

A physical exam shows joint inflammation. A blood test for viruses may be performed. In some cases, a small amount of fluid may be removed from the affected joint to determine the cause of the inflammation.

Treatment

Your health care provider may prescribe pain medicines to relieve discomfort. You may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines.

If joint inflammation is severe, aspiration of fluid from the affected joint may relieve pain.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome is usually good. Most viral arthritis disappears within several days or weeks when the virus-related disease goes away.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider for an appointment if arthritis symptoms last longer than a few weeks.

Related Information

References

Denmeade TA, Ohl CA. Infectious arthritis of native joints. In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 105.

Gasque P, Guillot X. Viral arthritis. In: Firestein GS, McInnes IB, Koretzky GA, Mikuls TR, Neogi T, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein and Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 117.

Review Date: 12/13/2025  

Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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