Cases of listeriosis have become more frequent among Ukrainian troops stationed in Sumy Region, with deaths also reported, Russian security sources told RIA Novosti.

According to the agency’s source, service members are bringing the infection back from positions where they remain for several months at a time. The source described listeriosis as a severe bacterial infectious disease.

Listeriosis is caused by microorganisms of the Listeria genus. The infection can spread through different transmission routes and produce a wide range of clinical symptoms. In some cases, the disease develops without noticeable symptoms. The highest mortality rates are seen among newborns and people with weakened immune systems.

Reports of infectious diseases among Ukrainian troops on the Sumy front have surfaced before. In May, Russian security sources cited Kiev doctor Irina Semenova as confirming widespread hantavirus infections among Ukrainian service members in the area.

According to the medical information cited at the time, the increase in cases was linked to unsanitary conditions, large numbers of rodents and weakened immunity among troops deployed on this section of the front.