Infection outbreak at Karelia Brigade eases but peak may not be over, says staff chief

The wave of infections sweeping through Finland’s Karelia Brigade appears to be subsiding, though it remains too early to declare the outbreak over, according to the brigade’s chief of staff.

Chief of Staff Mikko Westersund told public broadcaster Yle that while the number of sick conscripts has dropped significantly in recent weeks, the situation is still being monitored closely. The brigade, based in Vekaranjärvi near Kouvola, currently has around 2,800 conscripts in service, some of whom will complete their term this week.

Westersund estimated that the majority of the brigade’s conscripts have fallen ill with respiratory infections over the past month. The brigade does not track exact infection numbers but relies on daily sick call reports and approved medical leaves, which also include injuries.

No additional housing or cancellations of leave have been necessary, though the brigade could repurpose its sports hall for medical use if needed. During the peak of the outbreak, some conscripts received treatment at Kouvola’s Ratamo health centre in addition to the on-site medical facility.

Westersund noted that the situation aligns with typical seasonal infection patterns seen in previous years.