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Finland Health Overview

Health

There are no health risks associated with travel to Finland. Visitors to the Aland Islands in the summer months should be cautious of tick-borne encephalitis. Medical care is of a good standard. British, and other EU nationals, should ensure they take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles citizens to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Finnish citizens. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.


View information on diseases: Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis

Cause: The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus, which is a flavivirus. Other closely related viruses cause similar diseases. Transmission: Infection is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. There is no direct person-to-person transmission. Some related viruses, also tick-borne, infect animals such as birds, deer (louping-ill), rodents and sheep. Nature of the disease: Infection with tick-borne encephalitis may induce an influenza-like illness, with a second phase of fever occurring in 10% of cases. Encephalitis develops during the second phase and may result in paralysis, permanent sequelae or death. Severity of illness increases with age. Geographical distribution: Tick-borne encephalitis is present in large parts of Europe, particularly Austria, the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Russian Federation. The disease is seasonal, occurring mainly during the summer months in rural and forest areas at altitudes up to 1,000 metres. Risk for travellers: In endemic areas during the summer months, travellers are at risk when hiking or camping in rural or forest areas. Prophylaxis (protective treatment): A vaccine against TBE is available. Precautions: Avoid bites by ticks by wearing long trousers and closed footwear when hiking or camping in endemic areas. If a bite occurs, the tick should be removed as soon as possible. Source: WHO.

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