Remember good hand hygiene - Cases of stomach flu have been reported in Hetta-Pallas area

Cases of stomach flu have been reported at the Tappuri and Sioskuru Open Wilderness Huts. Sick individuals may have traveled more widely in the area. We will update this publication as new cases emerge. Although the number of cases is currently low, the illness can spread very quickly in the worst-case scenario. In Lapland, distances are long, so getting help can take a long time. Therefore, we urge hikers to pay special attention to hand hygiene.

Remember that winter hikes require appropriate gear, including a winter sleeping bag and tent. Always be prepared with your own shelter for winter and challenging conditions, and do not rely on the availability of open wilderness huts. It is good to consider in advance that wilderness huts may be out of use or may not have space. Rental and shared rental huts are only available to those who have made a reservation, and overnight stays without a reservation are not allowed.

Guidance and information for hikers in Hetta-Pallas

If you suspect you are ill, do not go on a hike. Seek medical attention if your condition worsens. Consider postponing your hike to a later date unless you can stay in a proper winter tent and sleeping bag instead of a hut.

If there are sick individuals in your group, consider continuing the hike, taking into account the length of the journey. Even if you are asymptomatic, you may have already contracted the illness. Stomach flu quickly weakens physical condition. Typically, a stomach flu epidemic lasts about a week. Due to basic conditions in huts, it is difficult to maintain adequate hygiene.

Avoid infection by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and plenty of water after each toilet visit. If water is not available, use hand sanitizer. However, not all sanitizers are effective against norovirus. Pay special attention to hand and food hygiene, and ensure that the eating utensils you use are clean.

If you have been ill in a open wilderness hut or shared rental hut, or know that a sick person has visited the hut, write this information in the hut's guestbook. This way, other hikers will know to avoid infections. It is also advisable to convey this information to us via the feedback form.