Rabies cases reported in Kharkiv region: Three instances in humans and over 100 in animals have been documented.

In Kharkiv region, a record number of rabies cases among animals was reported in 2024, raising concerns due to the increase in infectious diseases, particularly among cats.

This was stated in an interview with "Dumka" by Lyubov Makhota, the director of the Kharkiv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the chief state sanitary doctor in the Kharkiv region.

According to her information, 117 cases of rabies in animals were registered in the region in 2024, significantly exceeding the figures from previous years. It was noted that the war has led to a lack of vaccination for foxes and control over their population, which also contributes to the spread of the virus among wild and domestic animals.

The situation with cats is particularly alarming – out of 44 rabies cases in 2024, 33 involved domestic cats, mainly from rural areas.

According to Makhota, cats have become the primary carriers of the infection in Ukraine, which is a unique phenomenon. In 2024, three cases of rabies in humans were reported in the Kharkiv region, which is considered an emergency situation.

"In 2024, three cases of rabies in humans were registered. Prior to this period, we had three cases over the last 10 years. Therefore, rabies in humans is an emergency situation. Specialists from the World Health Organization describe it as a phenomenon in Ukraine that we have these three cases of rabies in humans; you understand that they died, they did not seek help, they were all scratched by cats. Specifically by cats. In no other country do cats hold such a high status as they do here," Makhota stated.

Doctors emphasize that in the event of skin injuries caused by animals, especially cats, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately for emergency vaccination. It is essential to remember that first aid should be provided as soon as possible, as delays can lead to serious consequences.