Swedish health officials have issued a warning after an increase in the number of people infected with Campylobacter in July.
Folkhälsomyndigheten (Sweden’s public health agency) reported that in the first two weeks of July, the number of reported cases of Campylobacter in people infected in Sweden had risen to almost 100 per week.
In the following weeks, reported cases increased further, to 160 and 210 per week. The sick came from different regions of the country.
The increase in the number of human infections coincides with a previously increased occurrence of Campylobacter in broiler flocks, according to data from the National Veterinary Institute (SVA).
The Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) said Campylobacter in chicken flocks often increases in summer. Within about a week, the number of people who become ill also increases.
“Especially in summer and late summer, it is important to be careful and cook chicken correctly. Then you reduce the risk of getting sick,” says Mats Lindblad, infection control coordinator at the Swedish Food Agency.
Repeated occurrence
A similar trend was noted in July 2023, when contaminated chicken was thought to be responsible for at least some of the cases. The number of infections continued to rise in early August, but fell in early September. There was another spike for a few weeks in late September, but then cases returned to normal levels.
Previous studies have shown a link between infection and consumption of fresh chicken. Campylobacter infection in humans is more common in summer, as is its presence in broiler flocks.
In 2023, 5,676 Campylobacter infections were reported. Travel-related cases increased compared to 2022, while domestic infections remained stable.
For domestic cases, the average age was 50 years, ranging from a few months to 99 years. The incidence was highest in the age group 50 to 69 years.
Good hygiene when handling raw chicken reduces the risk of infection. The advice includes washing hands before starting cooking and immediately after handling raw meat and chicken. Thorough cooking kills bacteria such as Campylobacter in chicken.
Raw chicken meat and other foods, especially ready-to-eat products such as salads, should be kept separate. Cutting boards and utensils should be washed thoroughly after cutting meat and chicken.
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