The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan reported that the epidemiological situation regarding plague in the country remains stable, and there are no reasons for concern, despite reports of possible illness in the Irkutsk region.
Recent publications in Russian media and social networks spread information about a potentially fatal outcome of plague in Irkutsk; however, the disease has not been officially confirmed at this time. Rospotrebnadzor specialists continue to conduct necessary research and verify the diagnosis.
Nurmat Atabekov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, emphasized that preventive measures are operational in Uzbekistan aimed at preventing the import of particularly dangerous infections.
The sanitary control system includes 53 checkpoints at international airports, railway stations, and road border crossings. Staff monitor the health status of arrivals from other countries and conduct additional examinations when necessary.
Regional laboratories of the sanitary and epidemiological service are equipped with everything necessary to detect particularly dangerous infections: diagnostic materials, reagents, and culture media. The Ministry of Health stressed that the existing sanitary surveillance system ensures the prompt detection of possible cases and minimizes the risk of them entering the country.
Plague is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Typically, it affects rodents, and humans can contract it through bites from infected fleas or contact with sick animals.
Previously, after information emerged about a possible case of plague in the Irkutsk region, Kyrgyzstan tightened sanitary control on its border with Russia, without imposing any entry restrictions from Russia or altering the operation of border posts.
