22 Jul 2024 16:03

Rospotrebnadzor rules out risk of Chandipura virus spreading in Russia

MOSCOW. July 22 (Interfax) - There is no risk of the Chandipura virus, which has killed 16 people in India, spreading in Russia, as mosquitoes that carry the virus do not live in Russia, the consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said on Monday.

"There is no risk of the import or spread of the Chandipura virus in Russia. Mosquitoes that carry the disease do not live on Russian territory," Rospotrebnadzor's press service told reporters.

Sixteen people have died in the Indian state of Gujarat from the new Chandipura virus, which has now been registered only in India, Rospotrebnadzor said, citing media reports. A total of 50 cases have been registered.

The Chandipura virus is transmitted via Phlebotomine mosquito bites and can cause an acute infectious disease in humans known as Chandipura fever. It is a rare disease characterized by fever, headache, muscular weakness and other symptoms. The Chandipura fever can be deadly. The virus is the most dangerous to children under 15, as their immune protection against viral infections is very low.