NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the Shigellosis outbreak in Sweden linked to travel to Cape Verde,  Swedish health authorities report the number of cases of Shigella infection has decreased and the outbreak is now considered to be over.

IMage/CDC

A total of 34 cases of shigella infection with a travel connection to Cape Verde have been reported in Sweden since November. Among the cases, the majority were women (n=24) aged 1–80 years (median age 47 years), living in 11 different regions. No new cases have been reported since January 25, 2023.

A source of infection has not yet been identified, but contamination via food is the most likely cause. However, the spread of infection from person to person cannot be ruled out.

European health officials recently reported increased numbers of shigellosis cases, mainly caused by Shigella sonnei, among travellers returning from Cabo Verde, have been reported in the EU/EEA, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) since September 2022. This outbreak evolved rapidly during November-December 2022.

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As of 16 February 2023, 10 EU/EEA countries and the UK reported and the US reported 221 confirmed Shigella sonnei infections and 37 possible cases, all with a link to Cabo Verde.

Based on the available information, many cases are reported to have stayed in all-inclusive hotels located in the region of Santa Maria on the island of Sal.