Epidemic sindbis virus infection in Finland: a population-based case-control study of risk factors.

Background: Sindbis virus (SINV) is an arthropod-borne alphavirus that causes rash and arthritis. In Finland, epidemics occur cyclically, but factors associated with clinical SINV infection are largely unknown. We conducted a population-based case-control study during the epidemic year 2002.

A widespread outbreak of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis O:3 infection from iceberg lettuce.

Background: The vehicles and sources of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection are unknown. In Finland, clinical microbiology laboratories routinely report Y. pseudotuberculosis isolations and submit isolates for serotype analysis.