The peak season currently underway in March–April attracts people to enjoy the spring snow especially in Northern Finland. At this time of year, easily transmissible illnesses such as colds and gastrointestinal infections are also circulating.
Good planning ensures a safe and successful trip. Take good care of hygiene while spending time outdoors. If you have early symptoms of a stomach illness, or if you have been in contact with someone who has had a gastrointestinal infection, do not head out into the wilderness.
“Spring is one of the best times for outdoor activities, and the snow-covered landscapes attract people particularly to Northern Finland. Spending time in nature is highly recommended, and by taking care of hygiene you ensure safe outdoor activities for yourself and others,” advises Team Leader Liisa Neuvonen from Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland Customer Service.
Metsähallitus monitors the situation at outdoor destinations
At present, Metsähallitus is not aware of any wider outbreaks of illness at outdoor destinations. During this week, Metsähallitus has received reports of three illness cases from Urho Kekkonen National Park in Lapland, which according to the reporters involve gastrointestinal illness. Observations have been made at overnight huts in Šuomaruoktu / Suomunruoktu and Tuiskukuru. Metsähallitus is actively monitoring the situation.
Learn more about hiking safety on the Luontoon service
- Safety while hiking (luontoon.fi)
- Instructions in case of gastrointestinal illness while hiking (luontoon.fi)
- If you notice a stomach illness or become ill yourself, report where and when you became ill: luontoon.fi/en/feedback
Instructions and Information
- If you suspect you are ill, do not go hiking. Seek medical attention if your condition worsens.
- If someone in your group becomes ill, carefully assess your ability to continue the trip, taking into account the length of the journey. Even if you are symptom-free, you may already have been infected. Gastrointestinal illness weakens physical condition quickly.
- Prevent infection by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and plenty of water after every toilet visit. If washing with water is not possible, use hand sanitizer. However, not all hand sanitizers are effective against viruses such as norovirus.
- Take responsibility for the safety of other hikers by maintaining good hygiene and cleaning up after yourself.
- Pay special attention to hand hygiene and food hygiene.
- If you have stayed in an open wilderness hut, rental hut, or reservable hut while ill, or if you know that an ill person has visited the hut, write this information in the hut’s guestbook. This helps other hikers avoid infection.
More Information
Liisa Neuvonen
Customer Service Team Leader
Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland
Tel. +358 40 8099 469
liisa.neuvonen@metsa.fi