By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
The Finland National Institute of Health and Welfare (Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos, or THL) reported today a traveler has been diagnosed with Wuhan coronavirus infection at the Central Hospital of Lapland. He is currently in isolation. The traveler comes from Wuhan, China. This is the first confirmed case in Finland.
“It was to be expected that the cases brought by tourists would also become apparent in Finland. The risk of spreading the disease in Finland is still very low, so don’t worry, ”says Director Mika Salminen from THL.
The Lapland Hospital District and the local health authorities will continue to work with the THL to address the situation. There are about 15 people who are potentially exposed to the infection. The hospital district monitors the health of those affected for 14 days.
“Finland has prepared for potential cases. Healthcare and laboratories have operating models in place. Hospitals have the capacity to research and treat coronavirus infections under isolation conditions, ”says Salminen.
