Outbreak of harpest in Dalarna - several people were affected

- The figures always lag behind. But there seems to be many cases this year, more cases than last year, Lindblom tells SVT Dalarna.

Last year, 24 cases of harpest in Dalarna were reported to the Public Health Authority. There were most cases of all counties in the country. A total of 107 cases were reported in Sweden in 2018. Three years earlier, in 2015, a total of 859 cases were reported in the country, when Norrbotten and Västerbotten had major outbreaks.

Also in Norrbotten, a total of five people were found infected with harpest last week.

How big this figure is expected to be in Dalarna this year is too early to say. In addition, there is a dark figure.

- Everyone does not seek care, and everyone does not report, says Lindblom.

The source of this year's outbreak in Dalarna is unclear, however, it is mainly the areas around Västerdalsälven that are affected by a lot of mosquitoes.

- It is spread mainly through mosquitoes and other insects, says Lindblom.

According to Anders Lindblom, it is common for patients to seek care for harpest this year. What seems unusual are the patients who sought care in the Mora district. According to Anders Lindblom, they do not belong to the usual patient group.

- It is usually noticed around Gagnef, Falun and Vansbro. Why there are several cases in Mora we do not know, he says.

The infectious bacterial disease is spread on contact with sick animals or through mosquitoes. Symptoms are high fever and headache. Also swelling around bites and lymph nodes.