Hi, I am new here, but in 2002, about 2 months after a trip to New York (including upper state rural) I developed severe arthritis that lasted for 6 weeks. I tested negative for RA and even had a Baker's cyst behind my knee that had to be drained 3 times. I had severe body wide pain and exhaustion. All I did was sleep and only got up to take my meds. Doctor concluded was viral arthritis caused by exposure to something on my trip. I did get the flu towards the end of the arthritis.
After 6 weeks I was perfectly fine like nothing ever happened. However in2007 I was diagnosed with RA along with other autoimmune loveliness. I have no idea if the viral arthritis and the RA are related, but yes there is such a thing as viral arthritis.