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.
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.