Lindsay Lohan Gets Chikungunya Virus

Lindsay Lohan getting the mosquito-transmitted virus Chikungunya may help shine a light on the seriousness of the virus, according to a New York infectious disease physician.

“There is an epidemic of the virus in the Caribbean and a few cases in Florida,” saysBruce Hirsch, MD, attending infectious disease physician at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.

Ms. Lohan contracted the virus while on vacation in French Polynesia.

“Doctors hope her celebrity status reminds us of the importance of learning and preventing emerging health concerns,” Dr. Hirsch says. “The Chikungunya virus causes fever and arthritis. Older persons with the virus can have painful arthritis for long periods.”

In addition to fever and arthritis, some symptoms of Chikungunya include:

• Joint swelling
• Headaches
• Muscle pain