A suspected rotavirus outbreak has affected several visitors at Böda Sand, with symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting. Health authorities are investigating, and no new cases have been reported since Friday.
Virus Outbreak at Böda Sand: Rotavirus Suspected
Theory: The Cause of the Gastroenteritis Outbreak at Böda Sand
Several cases of gastroenteritis have been confirmed after guests swam at Böda Sand. A virus is likely the cause.
"There is nothing to contradict this," says Per-Åke Jarnheimer, an infectious disease specialist at Region Kalmar.
Several summer visitors at Böda Sand have fallen ill after their visits to the facility. Among them is 8-year-old Leo, who was hospitalized in Linköping.
Böda Sand reports that water samples have been taken and no bacteria that could cause illness have been found. The municipality and the region's infection control unit have been involved to determine the cause of the outbreak.
Per-Åke Jarnheimer, an infectious disease specialist at Region Kalmar, states that between five and ten cases have been linked to Böda in recent days. More people may have fallen ill without the region's knowledge if they were treated after returning home.
Theory: Common Virus
The exact cause of the gastroenteritis outbreak is not known, but there is a likely reason.
"It is quite likely that rotavirus is behind it. There is nothing to contradict this. We have had a patient where rotavirus was confirmed, and since tests are not usually conducted for this, there may be more cases," he says.
Rotavirus is a type of gastroenteritis virus that particularly affects children. Young children, under two years old, can become seriously ill, which is why the vaccine against the virus has been included in the general vaccination program since 2019.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases, fever. The illness usually resolves on its own within a few days.
Can Spread in the Pool
Per-Åke Jarnheimer describes that the virus can easily spread in, for example, pool water, but also through direct contact and through the preparation and serving of food.
"If it is through the water in the pool, it can survive for quite a few days, but there must be a sufficient amount."
It is not possible to detect rotavirus in pool water samples.
Despite several people falling ill, the outlook is more positive moving forward.
"We have no knowledge of any new cases since Friday. That is a good sign," Jarnheimer reports.