Rays pitcher Joel Peralta believes he has chikungunya virus
Tampa Bay Rays reliever Joel Peralta believes he has the chikungunya virus, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Peralta hasn’t been feeling well over the last week and hasn’t pitched since the All-Star break.
The virus is transferred by mosquitoes in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has also recently been found in Caribbean countries.
Peralta went home to the Dominican Republic over the All-Star break and believes he contracted the virus there.
The pitcher started feeling ill on Friday and was seen by a Minnesota Twins doctor. The Rays swept the Twins over the weekend.
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According to the Centers of Disease Control, the symptoms of the chikungunya virus include virus infection, fever and joint pain. Headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rashes can also occur.
The team is expected to decide whether to put Peralta on the disabled list. He has a 4.15 ERA, with 13 holds and four blown saves this season.
-Scooby Axson
