The infectious disease protection agency warns of a record year of herpes
The number of cases of tularemia is increasing sharply and the infectious disease clinic at NUS is seeing a change in transmission routes.
Quick Look
- The cases of herpes are increasing sharply in Sweden with 115 reported cases so far this year, which is higher than during the same period in 2023.
- The infection control warns of a record year and notes an increased proportion of pulmonary tularemia, which indicates that the infection is spread via inhalation.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Harpes (tularemia) is a zoonotic disease that can be spread via insect bites or inhalation of infected dust. The number of cases has not been this high since 2015.
The infectious disease prevention agency believes that this year could be a record year.
- If we compare with 2023, which was a year with many cases, we are at a similar level, slightly higher, says Maria Marklund on infection control.
Scooping in new cases
So far, 115 cases have been reported. Last year there were 16 cases during the same period. The last time such high levels were measured was in 2015, with 103 cases.
If weather conditions continue to be favorable for the spread of infection, the number of cases will increase.
- Most of what we've had in the last five years. Both men and women are infected. Slightly more men, says Maria Marklund.
The infection clinic at NUS receives many patients infected with herpes. The symptoms for most people this year are high fever, without knowing why.
- What we have reacted to this year is that there is a higher percentage of pulmonary tularemia this year.
- This means that the infection has been inhaled. In previous years, there have been more sores and swollen lymph nodes, then you have been bitten by an insect and got the infection that way.
Treat with antibiotics
- Most do not need hospital care. Once we understand that it is herpes, we give antibiotics.
Maria Furberg says that there has been high pressure on the infection clinic since the summer.
- We have had a high pressure on applicants, but then it is not only about harpest, she says.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The number of cases will increase if the weather conditions remain favorable.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific environmental factors are driving this year's increase?
- What does the geographical distribution look like?
