Russian health officials clarify that recent illness reports are linked to known respiratory infections, not a new virus.
- Russian health authorities deny claims of a new virus outbreak
- Cases linked to common infections like Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Public urged to rely on verified sources for health updates
Reports of a mysterious illness in Russia have caused alarm, with patients experiencing high fever, severe cough, and even coughing up blood. While social media and local news outlets have fueled speculation of a new virus, Russian health officials have denied any outbreak, attributing the cases to common respiratory diseases (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Is Russia Facing a Mystery ‘Covid-like. virus that makes patients cough up blood?
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).
What Is the Mysterious Illness?
The first reports of this mystery respiratory illness surfaced on March 29 through the Telegram channel SHOT, known for its alleged links to Russian federal agencies. Local media quickly picked up the story, describing patients testing negative for flu and COVID-19 while experiencing symptoms such as:
- Persistent high fever (up to 39°C / 102.2°F)
- Severe coughing fits, sometimes leading to coughing up blood
- Body aches, fatigue, and difficulty recovering despite medication
A woman named Alexandra, one of the first reported cases, stated that her cough persisted for over a week even after taking antibiotics. On the fifth day of her illness, she began coughing up blood.
Russian Authorities Dismiss Outbreak Fears
Russia’s public health agency, Rospotrebnadzor, has denied the existence of any new or unidentified virus in the country. In an official statement, the agency emphasized that the epidemiological situation remains “stable and fully controlled (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Russia Dismisses Claims Of Blood-Coughing Mystery Virus, Cites Common Respiratory Infections
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)”Health officials insist that the reported cases are likely caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacterial infection that mimics flu and pneumonia symptoms. Often referred to as “walking pneumonia,” this illness can cause prolonged coughing and fever but does not always lead to severe hospitalization.
Public Reaction: Growing Mistrust in Official Reports
Despite reassurances from Russian authorities, public skepticism remains high. Many citizens recall the early days of COVID-19 marked by delayed reporting and misinformation, causing the public to question official statements.
Comments from affected individuals on social media suggest that symptoms are worse than flu or pneumonia. One person described their experience:
“My ribs hurt from coughing, I can’t eat, and even the medications make me sick.”
Another stated:
“The fever lasted for almost three weeks. I got over COVID much easier than this.”
Is There Cause for Global Concern?
International experts remain cautious about verifying the reports, noting the political sensitivity of health news in Russia. Sharon Sanders, an independent disease tracker, warned that disease-related misinformation has been used in the past for political reasons.
Meanwhile, Russia maintains that there is no new virus. Officials argue that genomic surveillance has detected no new mutations or outbreaks.
Media Panic or a Real Threat?
While there is no confirmed evidence of a new virus, the severity of symptoms described by patients raises concerns. Whether this is a routine respiratory infection or an undetected outbreak, it highlights the ongoing challenge of health misinformation and public trust in medical institutions.
In times of uncertainty, staying alert but not alarmed is key. Rely on trusted health sources for updates, question sensational claims, and prioritize facts over fear to make informed decisions.
References:
- Is Russia Facing a Mystery ‘Covid-like’ virus that makes patients cough up blood?- (https://www.firstpost.com/health/russia-mystery-covid-like-virus-outbreak-reports-13876555.html)
- Russia Dismisses Claims Of Blood-Coughing Mystery Virus, Cites Common Respiratory Infections – span class=”breaktext”> (https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/russia-dismiss-claims-of-blood-coughing-mystery-virus-cite-common-respiratory-infections-8063530)
Source-Medindia