[Epidemic of Pogosta disease--once again?].
Pogosta disease, manifesting itself as joint pain and rash, is an infection caused by Sindbis virus. This virus circulates in nature and is occasionally transmitted to humans via mosquitoes. The incidence of antibodies to Sindbis virus in the Finnish population is approx. 5%, whereas in endemic regions of eastern Finland it is several times higher in some places. Globally, the prevalence of clinical infection is highest in Finland, and the disease has emerged into an epidemic every seventh year. Some of those afflicted are left with chronic joint symptoms. The next disease epidemic is expected for August-September of 2009.
Sane
Jussi
J
Haartman-instituutti, virologian osasto, PL 21, 00014 Helsingin yliopisto.
Kurkela
Satu
S
Vaheri
Antti
A
Vapalahti
Olli
O
D018354:Alphavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D012845:Sindbis Virus