Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder that causes recurrent fevers and painful inflammation of your abdomen, chest and joints.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited disorder that usually occurs in people of Mediterranean origin — including those of Jewish, Arab, Armenian, Turkish, North African, Greek or Italian ancestry. But it can affect people in any ethnic group.

FMF is typically diagnosed during childhood. While there’s no cure for this disorder, you may be able to relieve or even prevent signs and symptoms of FMF by following your treatment plan.

Signs and symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever usually begin during childhood. They occur in bouts called attacks that last 1-3 days. Arthritic attacks may last for weeks or months.

Signs and symptoms of FMF attacks vary, but can include:

• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain, which can make it hard to breathe deeply
• Painful, swollen joints, usually in the knees, ankles and hips
• A red rash on your legs, especially below your knees
• Muscle aches
• A swollen, tender scrotum

The attacks generally resolve spontaneously after a few days. Between attacks, you’ll likely feel back to your typical health. Symptom-free periods may be as short as a few days or as long as several years.

In some people, the first sign of FMF is amyloidosis. With amyloidosis, the protein amyloid A, which is not typically found in the body, builds up in organs — especially the kidneys — causing inflammation and interfering with their function.

See your health care provider if you or your child has a sudden fever accompanied by pain in the abdomen, chest and joints.