According to reports received by Metsähallitus, more than 30 hikers have contracted stomach flu in Urho Kekkonen National Park. Three hikers have been evacuated from the wilderness between Tuesday and Wednesday. The cause of the illness is currently unknown.
There are widespread reports of stomach flu symptoms in the national park. As of Wednesday, Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife has received information about over 30 hikers experiencing symptoms. The Lapland Rescue Department has evacuated three hikers due to illness. The exact cause of the outbreak is still under investigation.
Prefer marked trails while hiking
The Lapland Rescue Department reports that emergency services have received multiple calls from Urho Kekkonen National Park requesting evacuation of hikers experiencing stomach flu symptoms. The rescue and EMS services urge those who have contacted the emergency number to stay at the location where their phone has reception until the rescue team or emergency services call back for additional information.
Hikers are reminded that reaching someone in a wilderness area may take several hours.
“We currently recommend hiking along marked trails. If stomach flu begins and a hiker’s condition deteriorates, it is easier to evacuate from a marked trail. Use your own tent or shelter, boil your drinking water, maintain good camping and hand hygiene, and avoid rest areas, huts, and toilets, as the illness may easily spread from shared surfaces”, says Kristiina Aikio, Recreation Specialist at Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife.
Report symptoms to Metsähallitus
Information about the illness has been posted at the national park’s entrance gates in Kiilopää and Saariselkä. The issue was also communicated on Tuesday through the park’s Facebook page, Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife’s national social media channels, and the Urho Kekkonen National Park page on Luontoon.fi.
To help Metsähallitus gain a better overall picture of the situation, hikers are asked to report any symptoms of stomach flu at www.luontoon.fi/en/feedback. For personal health concerns, contact a healthcare provider.
“It’s important for us to receive these reports so we can monitor the situation in real time and use that information to decide how best to limit the spread of illness”, Aikio says.
Rest and rehydrate if you get sick in the wilderness
The cause of the illness is not yet known. However, stomach flu is not uncommon and may occur both in winter and during snow-free seasons.
The Lapland wellbeing services county reminds hikers that anyone who falls ill in the wilderness should prioritize hydration, warmth, and rest. Even those with mild symptoms should stay in their own shelter to prevent further spread. If needed, patients can seek care at the nearest health centre.
If you’ve been in contact with someone experiencing symptoms of stomach flu within the last three days—or if you are experiencing even mild symptoms yourself—do not begin your hike.
More information
- Kristiina Aikio, Specialist, Recreational Amenities, Metsähallitus´ Parks & Wildlife, 0206 39 7200 (on weekdays klo 10-13), +358404804424, kristiina.aikio(at)metsa.fi
- Drinking water (luontoon.fi)
- Instructions for hikers who develop gastroenteritis at a destination (luontoon.fi)
- Urho Kekkonen National Park (luontoon.fi)
