Pogosta disease: Clinical observations during an outbreak in the province of North Karelia, Finland

Objective. To characterize the clinical picture of Pogosta disease. Methods. The data of 73 patients who had had Pogosta disease in 1981 and wh o then had been seen by a local physician in North Karelia were analysed. Results. The main manifestations were fever (23%), rash (88%) and joint sym ptoms (93%,). The joint symptoms in some patients lasted for several months and were severe enough to cause immobilization. The clinical picture was i dentical in those patients who had a definite serological diagnosis and tho se who did not have a detectable antibody response. Conclusion. The symptoms of Sindbis virus-induced Pogosta disease consist o f fever, rash and joint symptoms, which may be severe and prolonged.