War and social crisis trigger surge of dangerous infections in Ukraine
Russia’s large-scale aggression and the accompanying humanitarian challenges have led to a rise in serious infectious diseases among Ukraine’s population. This was stated in an interview with OBOZ.ua by infectious disease specialist and Honoured Doctor of Ukraine Olha Holubovska.
Doctors are reporting an increase in cases of viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and infections resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
According to Professor Olha Holubovska, social upheavals throughout history have always been accompanied by epidemiological challenges.
“There have never been social crises in human history without the activation of infectious diseases. Any infectious disease is, in fact, a social disease,” the expert emphasized.
The medical community is observing a worrying rise in bloodborne infections, particularly Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Although official statistics may be incomplete due to wartime conditions, clinical practice confirms the growing incidence.
“There are major issues with their diagnosis and registration right now, but the fact that we see an increase in these diseases in clinical practice is undeniable,” the doctor noted.
Specialists also expect a significant rise in tuberculosis cases and a worsening problem of antibiotic resistance.
Extreme living conditions caused by attacks on energy infrastructure are weakening citizens’ immune systems. Prolonged lack of heating during winter has contributed to the spread of severe bacterial pneumonia even among otherwise healthy individuals.
“If the temperature in a house remains around +2 to +4°C for a month or longer, even a completely healthy person can become ill,” Holubovska explained.
Earlier, Ukraine reported 160 cases of hantavirus infection, which affects the kidneys. Several cases of measles have also been recorded in Odesa.
