MANIFESTATIONS OF THE ROSS RIVER AND BARMAH FOREST ARBOVIRUSES: A Clinical Challenge for Chiropractors

Chiropractors and other healthcare practitioners primarily concerned with the treatment and diagnosis of disorders of the musculoskeletal system are often presented with patients complaining of extremity joint pain. The signs and symptoms of Ross River and Barmah Forrest arbovirus infections can often be confused with a number of other conditions including local joint infection, rheumatoid diseases and other systemic diseases causing arthralgic or myalgic symptoms. This paper presents a review of the often debilitating conditions caused by the Ross River and Barmah Forest arboviruses. These increasingly common viruses can produce symptoms of arthralgia, fever, myalgia, rash and headache. A systematic review of the structure of these viruses, their epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment and prevention are presented.