Lindsay Lohan Hospitalized with Rare Virus

Lindsay Lohan is in a London hospital with a rare, incurable virus she apparently picked up in Bora Bora ... TMZ has learned. 

We're told Lindsay contracted Chikungunya, a virus transmitted by mosquito bites that causes fever, joint pain and fatigue.

Lindsay vacationed in Bora Bora over the holidays and then flew to L.A. to shoot an Esurance commercial ... we believe for the Super Bowl.

Lindsay began complaining of the illness just before New Year's. She then went back to London where she became so ill she couldn't walk.

Lindsay is currently in King Edward VII's Hospital ... the same place the Queen gets treated. They're keeping Lindsay because she has a high fever and the joint pain is unbearable.

As for her prognosis ... we're told the joint pain could last for months.

UPDATE:  We're told Lindsay was just released from the hospital because her fever broke sufficiently, but her joint pain is still intense and doctors referred her to a specialist who treats the virus.  We're also told Lindsay's mom Dina is on her way to London to be with her.