Viral arthritis

Definition:

Inflammation of the joints that results from a viral infection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Arthritis may be a symptom of many viral illnesses. The duration is usually short, and it usually disappears on its own without any lasting effects. It may be associated with mumps, rubella, human parvovirus, and hepatitis B. It may also occur after immunization with rubella vaccine. This is a common form of childhood joint discomfort (pediatric arthropathy).