Kazakhstan is prepared to respond to a possible hantavirus outbreak, according to epidemiological surveillance officials.

Zhaidarkul Otarbekova, head of the Epidemiological Surveillance Department, said the risk of imported infections always remains, but stressed that Kazakhstan’s public health response system is fully equipped to handle such cases, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

She noted that hantavirus is already well known to medical professionals in the country, meaning doctors are trained to identify the disease quickly and apply the necessary containment measures.

“If a report of any infectious disease, including especially dangerous infections, is received, all services respond immediately, patients are isolated, and treatment is carried out in an infectious diseases hospital,” the statement said.

Authorities also said thermal imaging cameras are currently operating at airports and border checkpoints to help detect travelers showing symptoms of viral infections.

In addition, Kazakhstan has prepared infectious disease hospitals, isolation wards, and mobile rapid-response teams to ensure swift action if an outbreak occurs.