Up to six months after a travel-related chikungunya, dengue and Zika infection, patients experience lingering symptoms, according to a recent study in the Journal of Travel Medicine. The study also found that post-malaria fatigue syndrome persisted but lessened after three months. 

The observational study examined the long-term impact of travel-associated vector-borne diseases. It was conducted at sites in Europe, North America, and Asia from January 2016 until April 2021. US and European researchers looked at symptoms in patients with confirmed cases of chikungunya, dengue, Zika, and malaria at one, three, six, 12, and 18 months. 

Most symptoms resolve 6 months after infection

Of the 273 patients in the study, 35 (13%) people had chikungunya, 110 (40%) had dengue, 19 (7%) had Zika, and 109 (40%) had falciparum malaria. 

A month after a chikungunya infection, 86% of patients experienced lingering symptoms, including arthritis and joint and muscle stiffness. By the sixth month, more than half of those patients said their symptoms improved. By 18 months, all patients had recovered. 

Following a dengue infection, 71% had persistent fatigue and muscle and bone aches after a month. A year later, 5% of patients experienced symptoms, and all symptoms resolved at 18 months. 

A month after a Zika infection, 84% of patients experienced symptoms, such as headaches and joint stiffness. By six months, 37% of participants reported issues. Two patients with Zika still experienced symptoms at the end of the study, after 18 months. 

The findings can help experts better communicate the risks of such infections.

When it comes to malaria patients, 48% experienced fatigue, headache, and musculoskeletal pain after a month, but that percentage dropped to 11% by month three. At the end of the study, all had recovered.

The researchers wrote that the study sheds light on the long-term impact of vector-borne infections and the findings can help experts better communicate the risks of such infections.