Traveler potentially exposes others to measles on Viking Line ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki

A traveler from Tallinn to Helsinki last Friday may have exposed others to measles, according to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The individual who contracted the virus was on the Viking Line Gabriella ferry between 2 PM and 4:50 PM on July 26.

THL stated that the ferry company would directly contact passengers who were on the same voyage. The guidelines from THL advise those passengers to ensure that both they and their family members have adequate measles vaccinations.

Measles is highly contagious, with initial symptoms including high fever, respiratory issues, and often conjunctivitis. A rash typically appears two days after the fever begins and lasts for about a week. If individuals start experiencing symptoms related to measles within three weeks of the voyage, they should first contact their local health center by phone for further instructions.

The disease can spread through the air, and being in the same room as an infected person is enough for transmission. Measles can pose serious health risks for anyone, regardless of age, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems, where it can lead to severe complications or even death. For the latest updates and information regarding measles and its transmission, the THL website offers comprehensive resources.