Uzbekistan Reports No Hantavirus Cases, Officials Say

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has not recorded any cases of hantavirus infection and its epidemiological situation remains stable, according to the country’s sanitary authorities, who issued a statement amid social media reports about possible outbreaks in other countries.

Nurmat Atabekov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, said there is currently no cause for concern regarding hantavirus in Uzbekistan. He noted that the virus does not spread as rapidly as COVID-19 and, according to the World Health Organization, does not have the potential to trigger a global pandemic.

Atabekov said more than 20 types of hantavirus are known worldwide, but only some can cause disease in humans. He added that sporadic cases are reported in parts of Asia, Europe and Latin America, while certain strains are mainly found in South American countries.

Hantavirus infection is primarily transmitted by rodents and is rarely passed to humans. Infection can occur through contact with contaminated objects, dust, or food containing traces of rodent activity. The risk increases with prolonged exposure to infected environments or frequent contact with rodents.

Clinical symptoms may include fever, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and abdominal pain. In severe cases, complications can include kidney failure as well as damage to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Atabekov said that no specific vaccine against hantavirus has been developed globally and treatment remains symptomatic, depending on the patient’s condition.

According to him, no cases have been detected in Uzbekistan, while sanitary services continue regular virological monitoring. Enhanced control measures are in place at 53 border checkpoints to prevent potential risks.

Citizens are advised to follow basic preventive measures, including personal hygiene, safe food storage, regular cleaning of living spaces, washing fruits and vegetables, and caution in areas where rodents may be present. People who have visited endemic regions are advised to report this to local healthcare institutions.