The listeria outbreak is linked to the luxury restaurant Coco & Carmen in Stockholm, but several of those who have been infected are from other parts of the country.
The Public Health Agency has been involved to coordinate between the regions.
The fact that so many people have fallen ill makes Erik Sturegård raise an eyebrow. Usually, it is the elderly, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems who are most affected by the listeria bacteria.
That's what we're a little worried about, because otherwise it's usual for listeria that most people get mildly ill, says Sturegård.
Short incubation period
It is also unusual for people to have been affected by sepsis so quickly after visiting the restaurant, that the incubation period is so short.
It's possible that it's because there has been a very high dose of infection, but it's too early to say.
Sturegård praises the restaurant, the City of Stockholm and the infectious disease control for how the outbreak has been handled and how quickly the guests and the potentially infected have been notified.
The important thing now is that we ensure that the information has reached everyone.
Find the source
In addition to coordination, the Public Health Agency will also assist in examining tests from affected individuals to see if they are epidemiologically linked. Furthermore, the agency wants to analyze food products from the restaurant and ensure what the outbreak is caused by.
We have seen outbreaks linked to different food products where you have had to withdraw them. That's why it's so important to try to identify the source, so you don't have anything in circulation, says Sturegård.
