Ukraine: Health officials warn of rabies, Lyme disease with the arrival of spring

·13 min·1 clip

Ukrainian health officials warn that spring brings increased risks of rabies and Lyme disease due to war impacts and animal behavior.

The episode opens with host Robert introducing the topic of springtime health alerts in Ukraine, focusing on rabies and Lyme disease. He explains that spring increases contact with wild animals, and the war has reduced animal vaccinations and increased strays. Robert presents data showing animal bite cases rose from 1,845 in 2023 to over 2,500 in 2024, with human rabies deaths recorded each year. He describes rabies as a fatal viral disease preventable through timely medical care. The host outlines transmission methods, animal symptoms, and protective measures like pet vaccination. He details post-bite steps: washing wounds and seeking immediate vaccination. Robert then shifts to tick-borne diseases, noting ticks are most active in spring. He specifies that 6,148 Lyme disease cases were registered in Ukraine in 2025, with hotspots in Kiev, Liev, and Poltava regions. Tick-borne encephalitis cases slightly increased to six in 2025. Robert lists five prevention rules, including using repellent and wearing light clothing. He explains proper tick removal techniques with tweezers or special tools, warning against using oil or alcohol. The host advises monitoring for symptoms like target rashes for three weeks post-bite. The episode concludes by summarizing the dual warnings from Ukrainian health officials.

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