Tularemia: Relevant Issues and Forecast of Epidemic Situation in the Territory of the Russian Federation in 2018

Abstract

168 cases of human infection with Francisella tularensis were registered in the Russian Federation in 2017. 80 % of the cases are accounted for by three Federal Districts: North-Western, North-Caucasian, and Siberian ones. Epizootic manifestations of the infection of varying intensity were reported in 61 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. High morbidity rates in 2017 were observed in the Stavropol Territory – 49 tularemia cases, in the Republic of Karelia – 40, Omsk Region – 20, and Saint Petersburg – 12. To assess epizootic and epidemic situation in each constituent entity of the Federation, the numbers of small mammals and their species composition, infection rates of rodents, ticks, mosquitoes, horseflies, hunting animals, nests, regurgitates of birds of prey and excrements of carnivores, surface water bodies, agent culture numbers, isolated from clinical samples, animals, ticks and water, as well as the data on incidence and vaccination of the population in the region were analyzed. The conclusion has been drawn in regard to the territories where epidemic complications are most likely to occur in 2018.

Keywords

• tularemia
• francisella tularensis
• natural foci
• epidemic situation
• epizootic situation