Nurmat Otabekov refutes rumors about spread of cholera in Uzbekistan

According to the Deputy Head of the Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Service Nurmat Otabekov, the above information is not true.

During a briefing at the Agency for Information and Mass Communications, Nurmat Otabekov said that no cases of cholera were detected in the regions of the country.

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the microorganism Vibrio cholerae. The disease is accompanied by diarrhea, which causes dehydration and vascular insufficiency. In some citizens, cholera ends in death due to treatment in unsuitable sanitary-hygienic conditions. 

It should be recalled that in the Afghan provinces of Helmand and Zabul, about 40 people died per day from cholera. The largest number of infected was recorded in the districts of Bagran, Sivari and Daichopan. Among the victims are at least 15 children. 

The Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Service of Uzbekistan reported that at present there are 54 sanitary and quarantine points on the territory of the republic at the places of crossing state borders, of which 36 are on roads, 11 are at international airports, 6 are on railways and 1 is in a river port. 

The above points are provided with thermal imagers and non-contact thermometers for medical-sanitary examination of those arriving on the territory of Uzbekistan. 

It also became known that in infectious diseases hospitals and oral rehydration centers, patients with acute diarrhea were examined for cholera. In addition, special laboratories are provided with the necessary equipment, reagents and nutrient media.

The Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Service reported that every week water samples are taken from open reservoirs to identify cholera pathogens. 

A reserve of medical facilities has been created at places in order to receive patients, as well as a supply of necessary medicines.