Police Investigate Suspected Poisonings of Three Employees at Akademiska sjukhuset in Uppsala

Three employees from the children's department at Akademiska sjukhuset in Uppsala were hospitalized with life-threatening symptoms and treated in intensive care units, prompting a police investigation into possible murder attempts by poisoning. According to police statements on Wednesday, the individuals showed significantly low potassium levels in their blood, a condition known to cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. By Thursday, all affected employees had been discharged and were in stable condition. The hospital has reassured the public that there is no threat to patients and encouraged people to seek medical care as usual, while also providing crisis support to their staff.

Expert analysis by Kai Knudsen, an intensive care physician and poisoning specialist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, highlighted that potassium deficiency symptoms include unusual fatigue and irregular heart activity. Possible causes of such poisoning discussed include excessive consumption of licorice, high levels of caffeine, and certain medications such as diuretics, asthma, and diabetes drugs that increase potassium loss through urine. Knudsen also referenced a known medical student prank involving diuretics leading to frequent urination. Police are also considering hospital-related factors like cleaning agents or contrast media but, according to Sofia Arwehed, the hospital's operations manager, there is currently no evidence supporting environmental or medication-related causes.

Viktor Ekström, the hospital's safety manager, emphasized that no one in need of care should hesitate to visit the hospital and that staff should feel safe going to work. He described the poisoning cases as isolated events and confirmed ongoing collaboration with police and security personnel to ensure a safe working environment. As the investigation continues, police remain discreet about further details while assessing whether a crime was committed or if other factors might have caused the incident.