Intervention: Patients receive only TCM treatments, which may include herbal formulas (e.g., decoctions, granules) or acupuncture, tailored to their syndrome differentiation (e.g., heat-clearing, detoxifying, or dampness-resolving therapies).

Intervention: Patients receive only standard Western medical care, which may include antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen), NSAIDs for pain, and supportive treatments (e.g., hydration).

Intervention: Patients receive both Chinese and Western treatments.

Quantifies absolute change from baseline in skin inflammation severity using a modified Eczema Area and Severity Index (mEASI) scoring system.(Higher scores indicate more severe inflammation)

Measured by the Disease Activity Score 44 (DAS44) scale, which evaluates:

• 44 swollen joint counts
• 44 tender joint counts
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Patient's global health assessment (VAS 0-100 mm)

Scoring range: 0-10

• Lower scores indicate better disease control

• Clinically significant improvement defined as:

  • 1.2 point reduction from baseline AND Final DAS44 score ≤3.2

Records the duration (in hours/days) from treatment initiation until the patient achieves sustained normal body temperature (≤37.3°C) without antipyretics.

Measures the days required for chikungunya virus RNA to become undetectable in blood by RT-PCR.