Finland classifies Andes hantavirus as a generally hazardous infectious disease

Finland has classified the Andes-type hantavirus as a generally hazardous infectious disease, granting health authorities expanded powers such as the ability to impose quarantines, Yle reports.

Social Affairs Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen (National Coalition Party) described the decision as a precautionary measure to ensure authorities have sufficient tools to respond. “This is a necessary step, as the disease is now considered generally hazardous,” she told Yle.

Health officials emphasize that the current risk to the Finnish population remains very low, with no confirmed cases in the country. However, the virus has an exceptionally long incubation period—up to 42 days—prompting recommendations for extended quarantine for those potentially exposed.

The move follows an outbreak on a Dutch cruise ship and the possible exposure of two Finns during a flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam on April 25. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the Communicable Diseases Advisory Board supported the reclassification, which was formalized in a government decree.

Exposed individuals may now be ordered into home quarantine, with eligibility for infectious disease benefits if work absences occur.