Almaty Health Officials Prepare for Possible Hantavirus Cases

Almaty hospitals and isolation facilities are prepared for possible hantavirus cases, Orda.kz reports, citing the city’s Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control.

At a press conference, representatives of sanitary services and health care authorities said the infection is not new and that the risk of it spreading is much lower than with coronavirus.

They said there are no plans to introduce additional restrictions or strengthen sanitary control at Almaty airports. According to officials, the city already has sanitary checkpoints that can receive and examine passengers suspected of having infectious diseases.

The speakers added that infectious disease hospitals and isolation facilities in Almaty are ready for possible cases. Infectious disease doctors and response services continue to work according to protocols for especially dangerous infections.

Hantavirus is not a new infection. There are many types of the virus, but it is not as contagious as coronavirus and does not spread as quickly among the population. If necessary, the health care system is ready to localize a possible outbreak,the head of the epidemiological surveillance department said.

Sanitary service representatives also noted that Almaty traditionally strengthens prevention measures against acute infectious diseases and food poisoning during the summer. Specialists monitor bodies of water, while inspections of cafes, markets, and other facilities will continue under the Entrepreneurial Code.

Experts separately noted that a hantavirus vaccine is still under development, while the health department is already discussing treatment protocols and preparing the health care system for possible cases.

Original author: Daria Malkova

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