Experience of Investigation of a Large Outbreak of a Tularemia Among the Population of Khanty-Mansiysk and the Khanty-Mansiysk Region in 2013

Abstract

Aim. The experience of investigating a major outbreak of tularemia among the population of Khanty-Mansiysk and Khanty-Mansiysk Region in 2013. Materials and methods. The materials of epidemiological monitoring of activity of foci of tularemia in KhMAO for a long period of time, the results of laboratory studies of biological materials and environmental objects on infection with tularemia pathogen during investigation of the outbreak in 2013 are analyzed. Results. The causes and features of the outbreak development, anti-epidemic and preventive measures were analyzed. An algorithm for investigating tularemia outbreaks has been developed and the effectiveness of preventive and antiepidemic measures for their elimination in a strained natural focus has been shown. Conclusion. Monitoring of natural foci of tularemia confirms the continued preservation of their activity and viability. The transmissive nature of outbreaks causes their scale and intensity, the need for permanent disinsection and deratization measures. The invasion of rodents into populated areas can be considered a predictive sign of the deterioration of the epidemiological situation and the onset of outbreak, which allows taking anti-epidemic measures in advance. Systemic interdepartmental interaction (health care, executive authorities) is needed to strengthen attention to prevention and build up a cautious attitude towards the problem of tularemia.