Main health risks for Russia

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

A few cases of imported malaria have been reported in Moscow.

As tick-borne diseases are usual in Russia (including Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis), it is advised to take strict precautions to prevent tick bites.

Russia has been affected by the avian flu epizootic, yet no case of human transmission has been observed.

Cases of possible rabies exposure are rising. In 2009, 257 cases of animal rabies were reported in Moscow. From January to December 2010, 15 people were diagnosed with rabies throughout Russia.

Hemorrhagic fever, caused by the Puumala hantavirus, is endemic in Tatarstan, Samara, Bashkortostan and Udmurtia.

In 2009, there has been a strong increase in the number of cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in several federal republics in the centre of the country. HFRS is caused by the Hantavirus, which is carried by woodland rodents.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are frequent among travelers who do not take precautions.

In 2010, 14 cases of polio were reported in the Russian Federation. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

HIV prevalence is sizable; according to UNAIDS, 1.5% of the adult population (15-49) is HIV-positive. HIV is regularly associated with an increase in the number of tuberculosis cases. 1 million of adult Russians are living with HIV.

There is currently an outbreak of chickenpox in the Ryazan region. Between March and May 2009, a total of 2304 cases were reported, with a high incidence among children younger than 14 years (89 %).