Common signs and symptoms Digestive signs and symptoms are common in Whipple disease and may include: 
Diarrhea
Stomach cramping and pain, which may worsen after meals
Weight loss, associated with the malabsorption of nutrients
 Other frequent signs and symptoms associated with Whipple disease include: 
Inflamed joints, particularly the ankles, knees and wrists
Fatigue
Weakness
Anemia
 Less common signs and symptoms In some cases, signs and symptoms of Whipple disease may include: 
Fever
Cough
Enlarged lymph nodes
Skin darkening in areas exposed to the sun and in scars
Chest pain
 Brain and nervous system (neurological) signs and symptoms may include: 
Difficulty walking
Vision problems, including lack of control of eye movements
Confusion
Memory loss
 Symptoms tend to develop slowly over many years in most people with this disease. In some people, symptoms such as joint pain and weight loss develop years before the digestive symptoms that lead to diagnosis.