In this country, danger often hides in plain sight: ticks, diseased wildlife, garden produce, and even self-courced fish can pose serious risks. This warning comes from Margarita Provotorova, a leading specialist at the CMD Molecular Diagnostic Center of the Rospotrebnadzor Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, who shares these cautions with socialbites.ca.
Risk can appear not only in beds and fields but also when fishing. Carp species such as ide, bream, roach, crucian carp, and opisthorchis parasites can inhabit fish. If fish are not properly heat treated or shock-frozen to minus 20 degrees Celsius, there is a real chance of infection. It is particularly dangerous to buy dried or lightly salted fish from informal sellers because parasites can survive and later trigger a disease. Proper cooking and careful handling are essential to reduce this risk, and enthusiasts should be mindful when purchasing fish from informal markets or street vendors.
The doctor emphasized that current recommendations do not support taking antiparasitic drugs as a prophylactic measure without a confirmed infection. Instead, a strong emphasis remains on hygienic prevention: washing hands thoroughly and cleaning vegetables and fruits from the garden before consumption.
Uneaten produce left in the garden can hide parasitic roundworms. Eggs of these parasites are commonly found in soil, so even seemingly fresh strawberries, leafy greens, carrots, radishes, or turnips may carry contamination if not washed properly. Do not allow soil or sand clumps to cling to crops. A simple rinse with plenty of water followed by a brief 20-minute soak can help settle soil to the bottom, after which a thorough rinse is recommended to remove any residual material. This routine helps minimize exposure to soil-borne parasites and supports a safer harvest season.
Ticks present another substantial danger. They become active when temperatures rise, and a bite can transmit diseases to humans and animals alike, including Lyme disease and piroplasmosis in animals. The prudent approach is to use acaricidal products on both people and pets, and to check for ticks after outdoor activities, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Prompt removal of any embedded ticks reduces the chance of infection significantly.
Moreover, tick-borne encephalitis remains a serious viral threat in some regions. While not every area is endemic, places like Moscow are generally safer, whereas territories such as Altai and Karelia have historically shown higher risk. Before travel to high-risk regions, obtaining vaccination is advised, and travelers should consult medical guidance well in advance of any trips to these zones.
Rabies continues to be a danger linked to wild animals and sometimes to domestic or even friendly-looking animals. People should exercise caution around wildlife, avoid contact with unfamiliar creatures, and seek immediate medical advice if exposure to potential rabies occurs. This protective approach is essential to prevent the onset of a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.