Kyiv epidemiologists: Frost prevents spread of intestinal infections despite sewer damage
The Kyiv Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health says that due to low air temperatures, there are currently no risks of the spread of intestinal infections as a result of damage to sewer networks.
This is stated in a response from the Kyiv Center for Disease Control and Prevention to an inquiry from Ukrinform.
“Climatic conditions (low air temperatures) at present do not contribute to the spread of intestinal infections. By the time the outside air temperature rises, the pathogens of intestinal infections will have lost their pathogenicity,” the response says.
At the same time, the Kyiv Center for Disease Control and Prevention notes that damage to sewer systems and centralized water supply networks, as well as the lack of access to clean water and proper personal hygiene, may lead to a deterioration of the sanitary and epidemiological situation and to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases among the population.
“As of today, the situation regarding the incidence of acute intestinal infections in the city is under control. During January, only isolated cases of illness have been recorded,” the Center said.
Commenting on the situation caused by damage to the sewer network in one of the buildings in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district, the Kyiv Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated: “Residents of apartments affected by sewage wastewater should adhere to sanitary and hygienic rules and carry out treatment of the premises using disinfectants that are registered and approved for use in Ukraine. These products can be purchased in pharmacies and retail outlets.”
Overall, the Center added that the sewer damage at the given address does not pose a threat to residents provided that personal hygiene rules are observed (handwashing, washing vegetables and fruits, and using boiled water).
The Center also noted that in the event of similar situations, residents should contact local executive authorities to resolve problem issues.
Earlier, hromadske published a report on the situation in Kyiv’s Holosiievo area, where all utilities in residential buildings, including sewer systems, had frozen.
Media outlets also circulated a statement by the Head of the Desnianskyi District State Administration in Kyiv, Maksym Bakhmatov, who said that if it becomes impossible to restore heating in Troieshchyna during severe frosts, the neighborhood could face a new threat – freezing of water supply and sewer pipes. In such circumstances, he said, it might be necessary to dig pits and set up temporary toilets, as in rural areas.
As reported by Ukrinform, Kyivvodokanal called the idea of installing temporary outdoor toilets or cesspits impractical and lacking real grounds.
Photo: screenshot from a hromadske video