Children growing up in war-torn conditions face constant stresses and dangers that threaten their health and emotional state. But in addition to external challenges, they have to deal with other threats. Infectious diseases that spread rapidly in children’s groups become an additional challenge that requires decisive and quick actions from medical services and responsible persons.
In Chernihiv, an outbreak of rotavirus infection occurred in kindergarten No. 58 “Lisova kazka”, which affected 17 people, 14 of whom were children. Also, the first case of metapneumovirus in a 9-year-old child was recorded in the region. About this reported Chernihiv Regional Disease Control and Prevention Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
The first cases of infection appeared at the end of December last year, when six children and one adult fell ill. However, the situation worsened, and already at the beginning of January, the number of victims increased significantly. Nine children and two adults were hospitalized in the infectious disease department in a moderate condition. Other victims are receiving treatment at home under the supervision of doctors. Despite the fact that the condition of most patients has stabilized, four children are still receiving outpatient treatment.
An epidemiological investigation revealed that the cause of the outbreak was rotavirus infection, one of the most common causes of acute intestinal infection in children. This virus is known for its extreme contagiousness. It is easily transmitted through contact with a sick person, contaminated surfaces, toys, food and water. A peculiarity of rotavirus is its seasonality: most often the incidence increases in the fall and reaches its peak in the winter-spring period. Symptoms include high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, which leads to rapid dehydration of the body. In young children, this disease often has a difficult course, which can end tragically without proper treatment.
To prevent such outbreaks, it is especially important to observe sanitary and hygienic norms. Washing hands before eating, after using the toilet or playing with toys, regular wet cleaning of premises, disinfection of surfaces and ventilation of rooms are basic rules that significantly reduce the risk of infection. In addition, vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against rotavirus. Although this vaccine is not included in the mandatory vaccination calendar in Ukraine, it can be purchased at your own expense. In countries where vaccination is part of the national program, outbreaks of rotavirus infection have significantly decreased, confirming its effectiveness.
The case in Chernihiv region is not only a problem of one institution, the system of control over sanitary and hygienic conditions in children’s institutions needs to be significantly strengthened. The administration of such institutions, medical staff and local authorities should take preventive measures that would make it impossible for similar situations to recur. Children are the most valuable thing that society has, and their health should be a priority.
