"In principle, we do what we usually do when tracing measles. We find out which close contacts the person has had during the infectious period and identify those who are not protected," says Maria Rotzén Östlund, infectious disease physician in the Stockholm Region.
Measles is highly contagious, which makes contact tracing very time-critical. In some cases, vaccines or immunoglobulins are offered quickly after infection.
"You have to be quick with measures if you want to prevent illness. Once that time window has passed, it is important to inform those who may have been exposed to the infection," says Maria Tempé, infectious disease physician at Region Västernorrland.
Although Urkult was held in Sollefteå in Västernorrland, the region has so far had no confirmed cases.
It started with a case being discovered in the Jämtland-Härjedalen region. Then, contact tracing was carried out, and they saw a connection to the festival and started taking measures, says Maria Tempé.
The organizer sent out an SMS
Tracing infections at a large event is impossible on an individual level; instead, broad information is required. That has been done in collaboration with Urkult's festival organisers, according to Maria Tempé.
They have sent out text messages to all ticket buyers and posted information on their website.
The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days, but most people get sick after 10 to 12 days. The two infectious disease doctors assess it as likely that more cases will be discovered in the coming days.
Vaccine prevents major outbreaks
Sweden's high vaccination coverage of around 96 percent prevents major community outbreaks and protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants under 18 months and people with severe immunodeficiency.
We need to continue to spread the importance of getting vaccinated, says Maria Rotzén Östlund, pointing out that even uncomplicated measles can make you very sick.
Anyone who has developed symptoms and has attended the festival is urged to first call healthcare.
The most important thing is to plan your healthcare visit and receive instructions, so that you don't go straight to an emergency room and sit in a waiting room and infect others, says Maria Tempé.
