Swedish health officials are racing to track down potential victims of a listeria outbreak tied to a popular restaurant in central Stockholm. Around 20 people have fallen ill so far, with four developing serious sepsis infections, though none needed intensive care, according to the Stockholm regional health authority.
The trouble started after diners ate at the restaurant between September 23 and 27. Common symptoms include high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Officials have reached out to about 400 guests from those dates to monitor their health, and they’ve already logged at least 80 reports of suspected food poisoning.
Infectious disease expert Viktor Dahl called the situation striking, noting the unusually high number of cases and a shorter-than-normal incubation period for listeria symptoms. “This is not something we see every day,” he told reporters.
Sweden’s Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health, Jakob Forssmed, confirmed the government is fully involved. “We’re doing extensive work nationwide to trace contacts and support those affected,” he said.
The restaurant has shut down temporarily but hopes to reopen on October 7. Public broadcaster SVT first reported the outbreak, with details from Xinhua news agency.
Listeria outbreaks like this highlight a serious foodborne illness caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. According to the World Health Organization, listeriosis is rare—striking just 0.1 to 10 people per million annually, depending on the region—but it’s one of the deadliest foodborne diseases due to its high fatality rate.
What makes listeria sneaky? Unlike many bacteria, it thrives in cold fridge temperatures. The main way people get it is by eating contaminated food loaded with the germs. It can also pass from pregnant women to their unborn babies, adding extra risk.
Doctors diagnose listeriosis through symptoms and tests like blood smears, cerebrospinal fluid checks, or even PCR methods to detect the bacteria in samples from blood, stool, vomit, or food. For pregnant women, culturing blood and placenta offers the most reliable confirmation.
Health experts urge anyone who dined at the restaurant during that week to watch for symptoms and contact a doctor if they feel unwell. Staying vigilant helps prevent listeria spread in communities.
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