First Posted: 3/31/2010

April 1 is Lupus Alert Day. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that mostly strikes young women between 15 and 44 years of age. Thelife-threatening disease fools many because symptoms mimic other illnesses. Symptoms include painful or swollen joints, prolonged fevers, extreme fatigue, skin rashes, sensitivity to sunlight and chest pain.
Free lupus screenings will be available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at various locations throughout the area. Call the Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania at 1.888.99.LUPUS or visit to locate a screening site near you. If you cannot get to one of the locations, screeners will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. via the toll-free number.