Influenza epidemic rages in garrisons

Garrison hospitals crammed with sickly national servicemen

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The Vekaranjärvi garrison hospital is packed with coughing national servicemen. Physician-in-chief Mika Mattinen explains how 300 weary draftees stagger to the clinic in a single day.
      "This week the situation has got out of hand as some of the staff have caught the bug as well", Mattinen complains.
      Samples taken reveal that the "bug" in question is the emergent A/Wellington virus strain, first discovered in New Zealand.
      In Finland it was first detected in Rovaniemi, and so far it has swept through eight garrisons.
     
In the Vekaranjärvi hospital, 50 national servicemen have been taken in to receive hospital treatment, while the rest suffer from the illness in their barracks.
      Mattinen suspects it will take two to three weeks before the 3,000-strong garrison is properly back on its feet.
      This coming weekend is likely to spread the virus still further, as 4,000 guests are expected to visit the garrison to see their sons take the military oath.
     
This winter's influenza epidemic is slightly late.
      As predicted, it has first hit the garrisons of the Finnish military, from where it will quickly spread among the rest of the population.
      Usually 5-15 percent of the adult population will catch the illness. This year's epidemic is suspected to be milder than usual.
      The symptoms of the influenza caused by the A-virus are high temperature, muscular pain, headache, and dry cough. Usually the illness blows over in a couple of days, if one does not get complications.
      A 'flu jab gives protection to 70 percent of the vaccinated population. Studious washing of hands may also prevent passing on the infection.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Influenza breaks out in schools and garrisons (30.1.2003)

Links:
  National Public Health Institute - Influenza activity and influenza viruses

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