A new disease for Ukraine has been recorded in Volyn. Specialists believe its cause is the Siberian hogweed plant, which is spreading rapidly in the region. This plant causes severe burns, the treatment of which takes at least 15 days. Hogweed resembles pumpkin leaves, but it grows up to two meters and is dangerous to people. Associate Professor of the Department of Botany and Microbiology at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn State University Larysa Kolun says that Siberian hogweed is most commonly found here. When people touch this plant, an allergic reaction occurs, and children suffer from it especially. Therefore, in places where hogweed grows, experts advise not to sunbathe, not to rest, and not to touch the plant. After all, the disease it causes is very complex, and treatment is prescribed as for thermal burns. In Volyn hospitals, the diagnosis of "phytodermatitis" is being made increasingly often. It is accompanied by swelling, blisters, and rashes on the body. Patients with such forms of dermatitis come to the hospital every summer. However, now there are twice as many of them. Medics suggest that the causes of the disease are an increased allergic reaction, as well as the parceling of land and the collapse of collective farms. After all, much land is now uncultivated, and for unknown plants this is exactly what is needed.