Russia battles mysterious virus as severe respiratory cases surge

An unidentified virus causing severe symptoms, including high fever and coughing up blood, has surfaced in various regions of Russia, according to local media reports. While Russian health authorities have yet to confirm the virus’s origin or its scope, public concern is growing due to the absence of official data on the number of cases or hospitalizations.

Patients have initially reported common flu-like symptoms such as weakness and body aches, but by the third or fourth day, their conditions worsened considerably, with fever reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius and a persistent, blood-stained cough.

Despite testing negative for influenza and Covid-19, one patient revealed her condition worsened to coughing up blood within five days of falling ill. Doctors have noted similar symptoms in several cases but have not identified the exact pathogen.

Speculations intensify

Medical authorities have categorized the cases as acute upper respiratory tract infections (ARVI), yet emergency services are being called as symptoms intensify.

Speculations have arisen that the illness may be linked to mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacterial infection known to cause hospitalizations in Russia late last year, but this theory remains unconfirmed.

Pediatrician Dmitry Malykh has emphasized that this season’s respiratory infections could pose significant risks to infants and those with chronic conditions. Some adults may develop pneumonia or face complications, while symptoms in patients vary, with some recovering within days and others suffering prolonged fevers and antibiotic-resistant symptoms.

Currently, no new public health measures have been introduced, and health officials have not imposed regional lockdowns or school closures.

However, doctors are urging individuals with severe symptoms to seek immediate medical help, while the Russian Ministry of Health has yet to issue a formal statement on the virus’s spread.