Main health risks for Ukraine

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

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

There are cases of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease in wooded areas. The former is an infection of central nervous system and may cause long-lasting or permanent neuropsychiatric relapses (10-20% of infected patients). The latter is an infection that includes a characteristic rash, fever, arthritis and may cause neurological manifestations such as facial palsy. So far, 36 people have contracted Lyme disease in Ukraine this year.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

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

In July 2011, cases of cholera were reported in the port city of Mariupol (Donestk region) in southeastern Ukraine. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals and to use uncontaminated water.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

Ukraine is among the three European countries most hardly hit by the AIDS outbreak. HIV prevalence is increasing quickly among the population: 1.6% of the adult population is HIV-positive.

Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.

A recrudescence of measles has been observed in some Ukrainian areas, particularly in Kiev.