Self-reported morbidity of Barmah Forest virus infection on the north coast of New South Wales.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical features and disability associated with Barmah Forest virus (BFV) infection.


METHODS
Retrospective postal survey.


METHODS
North Coast Public Health Unit, Lismore, New South Wales, January to October 1995.


METHODS
All 84 subjects notified by mandatory laboratory reporting as positive for BFV IgM by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


METHODS
Demographic information, self-reported symptoms, disability and treatment.


RESULTS
Response rate was 77%. Peak incidence was in the 30-50 years age group, with almost identical numbers of men and women affected. The most common symptoms were lethargy (89%), joint pain (82%) and rash (68%). These were also generally the first symptoms to appear. Thirty of 54 respondents (56%) reported time off work and 27 of 53 (51%) reported illness lasting more than six months. Those who had a rash were significantly more likely to have recovered by the time of the survey than those who had no rash (odds ratio, 10.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-76.6). No treatment led to more than slight relief of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms of BFV infection appear similar to those of the better-known Ross River virus infection, and clinicians should consider both in patients with symptoms of arboviral disease. The wide distribution and long duration of illness make BFV a potentially significant cause of morbidity in Australia. A possible association between the presence of a rash and improved prognosis needs further investigation.
Beard
J R
JR
Northern Rivers Institute of Health and Research, Lismore, NSW. jbear@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
Trent
M
M
Sam
G A
GA
Delpech
V C
VC
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000524:Alphavirus; D018354:Alphavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome