A survey of epidemic polyarthritis in the Riverland area, 1976

In a survey of 93 cases of epidemic polyarthritis which occurred in South Australia in 1976, 77 patients suffered from a rash, and 87 patients had joint pains. Forty-five patients had positive serological results. In a control group, only eight of 34 controls had positive serological results. The distributions of rash and joint pains, together with those of other symptoms, are presented. Forty-five patients were unable to work during their illness. The incidence of doctor contact and the drugs taken are given.