Highly contagious bacteria discovered at preschool in Gävle

A child has tested positive for shigella. A bacterium that spreads through, among other things, contaminated water and food and can cause diarrhea and fever.

The infection control unit in Gävleborg has started infection tracking. Extensive sampling is carried out on children and staff, test results are expected within one to two days.

Increased nationally by 2023

The individuals who have come into contact with the infection are kept isolated at home until a negative test result can be confirmed.

According to Region Gävleborg, 200 to 300 cases of shigella have been reported annually in Sweden in the last ten years. In 2023, however, there was an increase to 728 cases.

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