In a follow-up on the “limited measles outbreak” at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, officials reported today on the 12th measles case in a hospital staff member, according to a hospital news release (computer translated).

This was a patient who presented with Koplik’s spots on palate due to pre-eruptive measles on day 3 of the illness./CDC
This was a patient who presented with Koplik’s spots on palate due to pre-eruptive measles on day 3 of the illness./CDC

The infected employee has been staying at the Women’s Clinic, East, 28-29 December. The hospital now contacts the patients who may be concerned, investigate their immunity and check the need for vaccine or immunoglobulin. A Radio Sweden report notes that 54 newborns may now be at risk of contracting the virus.

“There is no reason for public concern, the number of cases is limited, but we take the situation seriously and work intensively to limit the infection,” says Görel Nergelius, chief physician, Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

Since the Christmas holidays, extensive work has also been done with an immunization of all employees in the hospital – nearly 17,000 people.

Sahlgrenska University Hospital has been in staff mode since Christmas Day and has received additional resources for working with infection tracking, sampling, and more.

Hospital officials note that patients seen at the Women’s Clinic on Dec. 28-29 can contact the delivery coordinator on the phone: 031-343 12 50 if they have any questions.

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