Clinical and laboratory study of a newly observed viral infection in the Philippines: A preliminary report

@#Eighteen (18) cases of Chikungunya (or a very close related virus) infection, a newly observed clinical entity in the Philippines, are presented. Diagnosis was established by serological studies consisting of hemagglutination- inhibition (HI) and complement fixation (CF) tests. The clinical picture is characterized by a symptom-complex consisting essentially of fever, severe, incapacitating, recurrent joint pains and a rash. There is no involvement of the respiratory system and no bleeding tendencies were observed. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated, more so towards the later part of the illness. The platelet counts were normal. No residual joint deformity morbidity or mortality was encountered.