Situation with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Southern Kazakhstan

Astana, July 23, 2009 (Khabar) - New cases of people’s infecting with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever are registered in Kyzylorda and South Kazakhstani regions. Emergency Ministry says two more people were hospitalized as they are suspected to be infected with this dangerous disease. A 35-year-old resident of Aksuent village in Sairam district died in Southern Kazakhstan, so the number of victims of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever increased up to 6. Currently the Prosecutor’s office investigates these tragic cases. In April a 25-year-old woman fell ill with this disease in Kyzylorda region and a 40-year-old man from Baisyn village of Shieli district also feel ill after tick’s sting. And a 50-year-old man ached on July 21. All these people were rescued due to timely treatment. Now the places where people were infected, are being disinfected to annihilate the source of infection and explanation work among population is also being carried out.

Ulbolsyn Akhanayeva, deputy head of Kyzylorda department of sanitary epidemiological inspection:
- We actively work with population and explain them how to prevent infecting with this disease. We work not only in Shieli district, but also in other districts where Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever can appear. In 36 districts we work with people who contacted with ticks and addressed asking for medical aid. We work with people even if they have no any symptoms.

Minister of Healthcare appealed to residents of southern regions of the country to pay special attention to their health.

Zhaksylyk Doskaliyev, Minister of Healthcare of RK:
- We now the regions have medical equipment that can help to define the diagnosis and receive necessary treatment and solve the problem. We must work together on this and people must be careful. The whole world is careful with H1N1 and we should be careful with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in this region.