Swedish health officials (Folkhalsomyndigheten) reports investigating (computer translated) a E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened more than 50 people to date.
The cases have been reported from several counties, but mostly from Uppsala and Västra Götaland. Both children and adults have fallen ill, but the spread in ages varies slightly between different regions.
Since July, 54 cases have been reported and another fifty-plus cases are suspected.
The source of the outbreaks have not been pinpointed to date.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is bacteria that causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high. Most people get better within 5–7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Very young children and the elderly are more likely to develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection because they may increase the risk of HUS.
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