Hantavirus in Finland.
Finland reports the highest Puumala virus incidence in the world per capita, with roughly 1,000–3,000 confirmed cases annually concentrated in northern Karelia, Savo, and Lapland. The disease — locally called myyräkuume — has been clinically recognized in Finland since the 1930s. Severe HFRS is rare; most patients recover with conservative management. THL Finland publishes weekly counts. Forestry workers, summer-cottage owners, and military personnel in field exercises are at the highest occupational risk.
Active and recent clusters
- Finland · boreal forest belt — 1500 cases, 1 deaths (CFR 0.07%) · Annual pattern; THL Finland. Finland reports the highest per-capita Puumala virus incidence in the world — approximately 1,000–3,000 confirmed cases per year (locally myyräkuume). Severe disease is rare; most patients recover with conservative management.
Authoritative sources
Frequently asked
Is hantavirus a problem in Finland?
Yes. Finland is part of the Europe hantavirus surveillance footprint, with the Puumala strain causing HFRS and case fatality typically <0.5%.
What rodent carries hantavirus in Finland?
Bank vole (Myodes glareolus) across the boreal forest belt.
Who tracks hantavirus cases in Finland?
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL); ECDC — Hantavirus.
Related
Disclaimer. Country surveillance figures are floor estimates and reflect what national authorities publish. Always confirm with the cited sources.