Four patients with septicemia after an epidemic of food poisoning at the Stockholm restaurant

Four people received a diagnosis of septicemia after eating in a luxury restaurant in Stockholm as part of an epidemic suspected of Listeria.

Health authorities say that at least 15 people have been processed or are under observation at the hospital after having dinner in Coco & Carmen, a high -end place in the Östermalm district of the Swedish capital.

Most of the tens affected are not seriously sick, according to Stockholm officials, and so far, none of the people admitted to the hospital has required intensive care.

It is rare that food contaminated by Listeria, a bacteria, cause a very serious infection, known as listeriosis. People with listeriosis can develop septicemia – an excessive excessive reaction potentially fatal by the immune system.

The regional authority has confirmed that tracing infections, initially covering the guests who ate at the restaurant between September 25 and 27, had since been extended to include people who dined there from September 23 to 24.

“Those who have continuous symptoms such as fever, vomiting or diarrhea are now recommended to visit an emergency room in the hospital for evaluation,” said Maria Rotzén Östlund, infectious doctor, SVT state broadcaster.

Regional health officials have warned in a press release that “a large number of people may have been infected” and stressed that Listeria posed the greatest risk for pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

SVT reports that 80 people have registered to have food poisoning after having dinner at the restaurant with a city tracking tool between Saturday and Thursday morning, and 400 people were contacted for tracing infections.

Coco & Carmen temporarily closed while a survey on the cause of the suspected epidemic continues.

The restaurant said in a statement that he had always succeeded in food security inspections and cooperated with the authorities.

“We take this very seriously and, as the well-being of our guests is our absolute priority, we have voluntarily closed until further notice,” said the owners, adding that they hoped to reopen on October 7.

Joakim Almquist, the chef and co -owner, told SVT: “The only thing I can do is to apologize sincerely, because I suffer with these people.”

Listeria is commonly found in the ground, water and animals, and can spread through contaminated foods, especially when stored in cold conditions for long periods.

Although most people only feel light symptoms resembling gastric flu, this can cause serious illness such as meningitis or sepsis. The incubation period may extend from several days to three weeks.