"Hidden behind masks": Nizhny Novgorod residents warned about dangerous melioidosis

      The first imported case of melioidosis has been registered in Russia. This particularly dangerous natural focal infection is caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. This was reported by a representative of the regional healthcare sector, Alexey Nikонов. The disease is predominantly spread in countries with a tropical climate. Melioidosis occurs in Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Vietnam, as well as in Central and South American states and equatorial Africa. Infection is possible through contact with contaminated water and soil. The main insidiousness of the disease is that it can "hide" behind masks and manifest not immediately, the specialist emphasizes. In particular, one can become infected through minor skin injuries, accidental ingestion of water, or inhalation of dust, especially during tropical rains and storms. In normal conditions, the disease is not transmitted from person to person. There is no vaccine against melioidosis, so adhering to precautionary measures during travel plays a key role. Doctors recommend that tourists wear closed shoes, especially in rural areas and near natural water bodies, and immediately rinse any abrasions and cuts with clean water, treat them with antiseptic, and protect them with a waterproof bandage. Additionally, travelers should only drink bottled water, use it for brushing teeth and washing fruits, and avoid being outdoors during heavy tropical rains and storms. It is noted that people with diabetes and chronic kidney or lung diseases need to exercise increased caution, as the infection may progress more severely in them. In Russia, there are no natural foci of the pathogen, which significantly reduces the risks of spreading the infection within the country. Earlier, we reported that Rospotrebnadzor excluded the risk of dengue fever spreading in Russia.

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      More news about the event:

      Nizhny Novgorod residents were warned about a dangerous infection that was "imported" to Russia: how to protect yourself

      18:30 June 28

      Alisa Gusary

      Pro Gorod

      An imported case of melioidosis - a rare tropical infection that can be contracted during trips to warm countries - has been identified in Russia. 18:53 28.06.2026 ProGorodNN.Ru - Nizhny Novgorod

      Nizhny Novgorod residents were warned about a dangerous tropical infection

      An imported case of melioidosis has been identified in Russia. This natural focal infection will not survive in our climate, but there is a risk of bringing it back from a vacation in the tropics. 17:05 28.06.2026 Nizhny Novgorod Truth - Nizhny Novgorod

      "It hides behind masks": Nizhny Novgorod residents were warned about dangerous melioidosis

      The first imported case of melioidosis has been registered in Russia. This particularly dangerous natural focal infection is caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. 15:47 28.06.2026 NIA Nizhny Novgorod - Nizhny Novgorod

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      What is melioidosis and is it dangerous for Russians?

      After reports of an imported case of melioidosis in Russia, many have understandably asked: what is this disease and should we be worried? 18:02 27.06.2026 Newsler.Ru - Kirov

      In Buguruslan, drinking tap water has been banned due to the risk of infections

      In Buguruslan, Rospotrebnadzor warned residents about the risk of infection from drinking tap water after flooding. 10:18 27.06.2026 Time56.Ru - Orenburg

      Russians were told how to protect themselves from a dangerous tropical infection

      Treatment for melioidosis, according to doctors, takes several months. Doctors discussed the peculiarities of treating melioidosis - a dangerous tropical infection identified in a Russian woman after returning from Thailand. 18:05 26.06.2026 IA Amitel - Barnaul

      Months on antibiotics: what awaits Omsk residents after visiting popular resorts

      This rare tropical disease cannot be contracted from other people, but sometimes that doesn't help. 18:45 26.06.2026 Om1.Ru - Omsk

      A doctor assessed the risk of melioidosis spreading in Russia

      Anna Salnikova, News Feed Editor

      The risk of melioidosis spreading in Russia is assessed as extremely low, reported ProGorodPerm doctor of medical sciences, 14:55 26.06.2026 Pro Gorod Perm - Perm