Stockholm Restaurant Linked to Listeria Outbreak, Four Hospitalized with Sepsis
Stockholm, Sweden - A food poisoning outbreak linked to the Coco & Carmen restaurant has sickened at least 85 people, with four confirmed cases of sepsis as of Thursday evening, according to regional health officials. Infection tracing has been expanded to include diners who ate at the restaurant between September 23rd and 27th.
The regional authority is urging anyone experiencing fever, vomiting, or diarrhea after dining at Coco & Carmen to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency room.
“A large number of people may have been infected,” warned officials in a press release, emphasizing that pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk from listeria. around 400 people have been contacted as part of the ongoing investigation.
Coco & Carmen has voluntarily closed its doors while authorities investigate the source of the outbreak. The restaurant stated it has consistently passed food safety inspections and is fully cooperating with the investigation. Owners expressed their commitment to guest well-being, stating they hope to reopen on October 7th.
“The only thing I can do is sincerely apologise, because I suffer with these people,” said Joakim Almquist, the restaurant’s chef and co-owner, to state broadcaster SVT.
Listeria is a common bacterium found in soil, water, and animals, and can contaminate food, notably when stored for extended periods in cold conditions. While most infections cause mild, flu-like symptoms, listeria can lead to severe illnesses like meningitis and sepsis. The incubation period ranges from several days to three weeks.
Infectious disease physician Maria Rotzén Östlund told SVT that while four people have developed sepsis, none have required intensive care.
Additional reporting by Kathryn Armstrong
