The Environmental Services conducted an inspection of the restaurant but found no issues. Intensive cleaning has been carried out at the restaurant and Parliament’s other facilities. Surface samples have been taken of the facilities. The purpose of this sampling is to ensure the sufficiency of the cleaning efforts.
The Environmental Services will conduct an online survey for those who took meals at Restaurant Little Parliament between 7 and 11 March 2025 and those who have fallen ill in order to investigate the epidemic.
The City of Helsinki’s Epidemiological Operations Unit will determine the number of those infected, as well as their symptoms, and instruct some of them to provide samples in order for the unit to verify the cause of the epidemic. The unit will also provide instructions on how to prevent the spread of infections.
Norovirus is the most common cause of sudden gastroenteritis in Finland
Norovirus spreads easily from person to person either directly or indirectly via contaminated surfaces, for instance. Norovirus can also be easily transmitted via contaminated foodstuffs or water. A very small amount of viruses is enough to cause an infection. The incubation period of norovirus is usually 12–48 hours.
Typical symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting and, in many cases, also fever, stomach ache and abdominal cramps. The symptoms often start very suddenly and typically last for around 12–72 hours.
Infected persons working in the food industry must not return to work until at least two days have passed since the end of their symptoms.
Prevent the spread of the virus
Wash your hands carefully with plenty of water and soap, particularly after going to the toilet and before meals or cooking.
Clean and disinfect any surfaces that may have been contaminated by the virus carefully with a cleaning agent containing chlorine.
We will release our next bulletin about the epidemic once the laboratory results are available.
