Confirmed case of tularemia reported in Utsjoki, Finland

A confirmed case of tularemia has been reported in Utsjoki, Finland. A deceased hare was found at the end of August in the area surrounding the Kevon Research Station. Station manager Otso Suominen noted a significant presence of hares in the area this year. Due to reports of tularemia found in hares across the border in Norway’s Tana, the sample was sent to the Finnish Food Authority for testing.

The Finnish Food Authority confirmed the presence of tularemia in the hare sample. Specialist Marja Isomursu explained that no public announcement was made since this is an isolated case. “This is a disease endemic to Finland, meaning it occurs here naturally. It varies in prevalence from year to year, but it is present annually, making separate announcements rare,” she stated.

Tularemia is uncommon in Lapland; it has typically been reported as far south as Northern Ostrobothnia. Isomursu mentioned that samples from the far north are rarely submitted for testing, making definitive assessments of prevalence challenging due to the limited data.

Otso Suominen remarked that finding a deceased hare is a rare occurrence for the staff at the Kevon Research Station. “At least in recent history, this seems to be the first case I am aware of,” he added.

In a related incident, Anne Nuorgam from Utsjoki contracted tularemia this fall after being bitten by a mosquito. She suffered for about a month before receiving the correct diagnosis. Symptoms began following the mosquito bite, which left the area swollen, and other symptoms soon followed.

Tularemia, primarily affecting hares and possibly other rodents, does not spread from person to person.