A confirmed case of tuberculosis exposure Espoo has been reported at Mainiokoti Andante care home, affecting 99 individuals, according to Western Uusimaa wellbeing services county.
The person who tested positive for tuberculosis is no longer at the care home and is currently receiving treatment in another facility. Tinja Lääveri, chief physician for infection prevention in the region, confirmed the case was identified within the past week.
The exposed group includes both care home residents and staff members. Authorities are contacting everyone affected and arranging chest X-rays to check for signs of pulmonary tuberculosis. Symptoms will also be closely monitored.
“The risk of developing infectious pulmonary tuberculosis is low,” said Lääveri.
There is no infection risk at Mainiokoti Andante for residents or visitors. Activities can continue as normal. Authorities implemented all necessary precautions immediately after the diagnosis.
Tuberculosis spreads through airborne particles and not through surfaces or hand contact. Infection occurs most often when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Long-term close contact, such as living in the same household, presents the highest risk. Short or incidental encounters are unlikely to transmit the disease.
According to regional health authorities, roughly one in three people exposed to tuberculosis becomes infected. Most infections remain latent and do not cause symptoms or spread further. Only a minority of those infected develop active disease.
Pulmonary tuberculosis, the most common form, may include symptoms such as:
- Persistent cough lasting over three weeks
- Sputum production or coughing up blood
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing
- Fever and night sweats
- Unintended weight loss and fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
Mainiokoti Andante provides 24-hour housing services for elderly residents. Authorities have not confirmed whether the infected individual was a resident or a visitor, citing privacy concerns.
In Finland, all medical evaluations and treatments related to tuberculosis are free of charge. The care home will assist residents and staff in arranging follow-up tests if needed.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) reported 184 tuberculosis cases in Finland last year. Of these, 125 were pulmonary tuberculosis.
