Surge in Campylobacter Infections Hits Sweden in 2025

Sweden is experiencing a significant rise in campylobacter infections, with weekly reported cases escalating from around 30 in early June to over 200 last week, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The agency's investigator, Rikard Dryselius, confirmed that this surge is seasonal, typically peaking in August before a decline in the fall.

Health authorities emphasize the primary transmission route through undercooked chicken, which can harbor the bacterium. Flies are known to act as vectors, transferring these bacteria to chicken flocks, thereby facilitating the spread to humans. As the summer months progress, warmer temperatures increase activity in nature, contributing to higher infection rates.

Dryselius highlighted the importance of kitchen hygiene, advising the public to cook chicken to a minimum of 70 degrees Celsius to kill harmful bacteria and to avoid cross-contamination by using separate surfaces for raw and cooked foods. Other transmission avenues include livestock, pets, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water, although the latter is not as prevalent year-round.

In Sweden, all cases of campylobacter infection must be reported to health authorities under the communicable disease act, ensuring that suspected outbreaks from food or water sources are promptly communicated to local environmental offices. Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and maintain stringent food safety practices as the summer progresses.