With the arrival of spring, Ukranian health officials are warning of the increased rosk of two infectious diseases: rabies and Lyme disease.
Rabies
As the weather warms, it increases the chance of contact with animals, both stray and wildlife, as they are looking for food and are more likely to get closer to where humans live.
In addition, the ongoing war with Russia has created more abandoned animals and a decrease in animal vaccination throughout the country increases the risk of rabies.
Public Health Ukraine reports an increase in animal bites that may be infected with rabies in recent years: From 1845 reports in 2023 to 2531 reports last year.
Cases of rabies among humans are also being recorded: in 2023, one case of rabies was recorded, in 2024 and 2025 - two cases each, and in 2026 - one more as of March 1. All cases, unfortunately, ended in the death of the patients.
Rabies is an acute viral disease that affects the central nervous system of humans and animals. Once symptoms appear, it is always fatal.
At the same time, the development of the disease can be prevented by seeking medical attention in a timely manner after contact with a potentially infected animal.
How does infection occur?
The virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal:
during a bite;
through scratches;
when saliva gets on mucous membranes or damaged skin.
Even if the bite seems minor: only a doctor can assess the risk !
Signs of rabies in animals
Among the most characteristic manifestations:
aggressive or atypical behavior;
loss of fear of people;
excessive salivation;
difficulty swallowing;
weakness or paralysis.
In case of suspicious behavior of the animal, contact should be avoided and the appropriate services should be notified.
How to protect yourself
To reduce the risk of infection:
do not contact wild and stray animals;
do not feed them or try to tame them;
avoid contact between pets and wild animals;
Regularly vaccinate pets against rabies.
What to do if you are bitten or scratched by an animal
1. Wash the wound thoroughly with running water and soap for 15 minutes or longer.
2. Treat the edges of the wound with an antiseptic (for example, 5% iodine solution or 70% alcohol).
3. See a doctor as soon as possible.
4. If a course of anti-rabies vaccination is prescribed - five doses over 28 days - it must be completed in full.
Lyme disease
In the spring, ticks are most active and health officials advise the public to be careful in forests, parks, yards, and other places where they live.
The primary tick-borne disease of concern in Ukraine is Lyme disease. Lyme disease can start with a red, target-like rash (red circles) at the site of the tick bite, headache, lethargy, and body aches. If left untreated early, it can lead to damage to the skin, joints, heart, nervous system, and even disability.
Lyme disease continues to increase in Ukraine- 6,748 cases of Lyme disease were registered in Ukraine in 2025 (1,317 more than in 2024).
The largest number of cases was in Kyiv (770), Lviv (623 cases), and Poltava (598 cases) regions, as well as in Kyiv (649 cases).
Great infectious disease gifts at Giant Microbes
Public Health Ukraine offers the following preventive advice and precautions concerning Lyme and other tick-borne diseases:
1. Before going for a walk, apply repellent to your skin or clothing - a product that repels mosquitoes and ticks.
2. Dress properly: tuck your pants into your socks, wear closed shoes. It is better to wear light-colored clothing - ticks are more visible on it.
3. Stay in the middle of the trail, don’t go into the grass or bushes - that’s where the most ticks are.
4. Periodically carefully examine yourself and your companions, especially children and dogs .
5. At home, repeat the examination , paying special attention to skin folds and hairy areas of the head.
