Respiratory infections decline at Tikkakoski Air Force Academy in Finland

The number of respiratory infections at the Tikkakoski Air Force Academy has begun to decline. This autumn, the academy has seen cases of illnesses causing respiratory infections, including adenovirus, mycoplasma, coronavirus, and whooping cough. Currently, there are fewer than ten conscripts in isolation, a significant decrease from nearly a hundred just a couple of weeks ago, according to Deputy Commander Sami Nenonen.

Flu outbreaks have also affected other military barracks, although the spread is not decreasing everywhere, as seen in Jyväskylä. For instance, at the Karelia Brigade, hundreds of conscripts are suffering from flu symptoms, and their treatment has faced delays. Similarly, the Kainuu Brigade experienced an adenovirus outbreak in August that also infected hundreds of conscripts.

In Tikkakoski, according to Nenonen, the situation has significantly improved compared to earlier. “Our mitigation efforts have clearly been effective,” he stated. Measures to curb the spread included vacation bans and mask-wearing, leading to the gradual lifting of some restrictions. As a result, some conscripts were able to take leave last weekend; however, the situation is not entirely resolved.

In September, it was reported that two conscripts were hospitalized, but they have since been discharged. Currently, there is still one conscript receiving hospital treatment, who is expected to be released this week.