No Hantavirus cases recorded in Uzbekistan – Nurmat Otabekov

No cases of Hantavirus have been registered in Uzbekistan, and the current epidemiological situation remains stable. Nurmat Otabekov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, addressed public concerns following social media reports regarding outbreaks of the viral infection in other parts of the world.

Photo: REUTERS / Dado Ruvic

According to the World Health Organization, Hantavirus does not possess the rapid transmission speed characteristic of viruses like COVID–19. Specialists believe it is unlikely to trigger a global pandemic. While more than 20 species of Hantavirus exist worldwide, only a few are capable of infecting humans. The virus is relatively rare in Asia and Europe, with specific strains primarily concentrated in Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.

Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease typically found in rodents and is only transmitted to humans in rare instances. Infection generally occurs through contact with items, dust, or food products contaminated by the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected animals. The risk of transmission increases during prolonged stays in contaminated environments or through regular, close contact with rodent populations.

The illness is characterized by fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and muscle or abdominal pain. In severe cases, patients may suffer from renal failure or dangerous complications affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Currently, there is no specific vaccine or dedicated treatment protocol for Hantavirus; medical intervention is limited to symptomatic therapy based on the patient’s condition.

The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health maintains constant virological monitoring across the country. To prevent the importation of dangerous infections, permanent control measures have been established at 53 border crossing points.

Despite the lack of local cases, health officials recommend that citizens observe preventative measures. These include maintaining strict personal hygiene, keeping homes and workplaces clean, and ensuring food products are stored securely. Vegetables and fruits should be washed thoroughly, and areas showing signs of rodent activity should be dampened before cleaning to prevent the inhalation of dust. Regular ventilation of warehouses and storage spaces is also advised. Individuals returning from endemic regions are encouraged to notify their local family polyclinics of their travel history.