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Hepatitis A (September 2025)

Background 

  • Pathogen : Hepatitis A is a form of viral hepatitis caused by an RNA virus of the picornavirus family. It is an infectious disease that leads to inflammation of the liver. The symptoms range from mild to severe, and include fever, nausea, jaundice, dark reddish-brown urine and pale clay-coloured faeces, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Whilst jaundice is not seen in all patients, fatigue and loss of appetite are common, and may persist for several weeks or even months. The infection generally resolves on its own without causing lasting liver damage and does not become chronic. The mortality rate is low (<1%), and recovery from the disease confers lifelong immunity. Those travelling to regions where hepatitis A is common are recommended to get vaccinated ahead of time; a course of two doses provides protection for at least 25 years.

  • Transmission: The virus is commonly transmitted from person to person, but can also spread through contaminated food and water.

  • Sources and risk factors: The source in this particular outbreak is suspected to be contaminated food (specifically imported berries). Individuals suffering from chronic liver disease or with underlying liver conditions are at a greater risk of developing complications.

  • Seasonality: In Sweden, there is a persistent seasonal peak in autumn, from September to November, likely linked to travel abroad to endemic areas.

Brief Summary of the Outbreak

On 20th November 2025 Folkhälsomyndigheten reported that an outbreak of hepatitis A (genotype IA) is under investigation in Sweden, with a total of five confirmed cases reported since early September across three regions. The affected individuals (three men and two women, aged 17 to 64) all consumed frozen imported berries, including strawberries and raspberries, that were uncooked. Although the berries are suspected to be the source, lab tests have not been able to detect a causative viral agent in samples of the berries. The most recent case was detected on 23rd October.

The investigation is a joint effort between multiple agencies in Sweden, including regional infectious disease control departments, municipalities, the Swedish National Food Agency, and the Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten).

Outbreak Timeline 

YEAR DATE OBSERVATION
2025 September The first case of hepatitis A was diagnosed in Sweden.
2025 October The latest case of the affected individual was diagnosed with hepatitis A.
2025 November Investigation is carried out by infectious disease control departments in the three affected areas, municipalities, the Swedish National Food Agency and Public Health Agency in Sweden.