This article describes the case of a 48-year-old female traveller returning from Bangladesh who presented with persisting pain and joint swelling due to chikungunya virus infection, which had persisted for months. Typical symptoms are a high fever and musculoskeletal disorders, which can last for months up to years. The chronic inflammatory form is treated similarly to those recommended for other chronic inflammatory joint diseases. Due to the increasing prevalence of the virus and its vectors as well as the unbroken travel activity, an increase in imported cases in Europe and establishment of the pathogen in southern Europe are to be expected.
Keywords: DMARD; NSAID; TNF inhibitors; Travel-related arthritis; Virus-associated arthritis.