Russian authorities have dismissed growing speculation surrounding reports of a so-called “mystery virus” causing patients to cough up blood and suffer prolonged high fevers. Officials maintain that no new pathogens have been detected and attributed the cases to common respiratory infections, including Mycoplasma pneumonia, Newsweek reported.
Reports of unknown virus spark public alarm
The rumors first emerged on March 29 via SHOT, a Telegram news channel with alleged ties to Russian federal agencies. SHOT reported that patients across multiple cities were experiencing severe symptoms—persistent high fever, extreme fatigue, body aches, and, in some cases, coughing up blood—despite testing negative for influenza and COVID-19.
These reports, later picked up by mainstream Russian media outlets such as Lenta.ru and Newizv.ru, fueled public concern. However, Russia’s public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has firmly denied the existence of a new disease.
“There is no evidence of a new or unidentified virus circulating in the Russian Federation,” Rospotrebnadzor stated, adding that the situation remains “stable and completely controlled.”
Mistrust lingers amid official reassurances
Despite the government’s dismissal of the rumors, skepticism persists. Public distrust in Russian health institutions has remained high since the COVID-19 pandemic when authorities faced criticism for underreporting cases and downplaying risks. This mistrust extended to the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine, with a 2020 survey revealing that 52% of 3,000 medical professionals were unwilling to take it.
Moscow authorities have moved swiftly to investigate and debunk the recent virus claims, but for many, the echoes of past crises remain fresh.
Patients describe severe, unexplained symptoms
SHOT’s report included firsthand accounts from patients struggling with unexplained respiratory illnesses. One woman, identified as Alexandra, recounted her experience battling relentless symptoms.
“Even after a week of taking antibiotics, the coughing fits didn’t stop,” she told SHOT. By the fifth day of her illness, she was coughing up blood. She was later diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacterial infection known to mimic flu and pneumonia symptoms.
Other patients described similar symptoms, including prolonged fever, body aches, and persistent coughing. Many were diagnosed with “acute upper respiratory tract infection of unspecified origin” and were advised to seek emergency care if their conditions worsened.
Social media users on Telegram channels such as Moscow Live also shared their struggles. One individual wrote, “It’s a nightmare—my ribs hurt from coughing, I can’t eat, and even the medications make me sick.” Another commented, “The cough has lasted over a month, and the fever stayed for nearly three weeks. I got over COVID much easier.”
Health authorities urge calm
Despite these alarming accounts, Russian officials insist there is no cause for panic. Experts emphasize that seasonal respiratory infections can present with severe symptoms, particularly in vulnerable populations.
While the origins of the recent cases remain a topic of speculation, officials stress that no evidence suggests the emergence of a novel virus. However, with lingering public skepticism and past missteps still in recent memory, the government’s reassurances may not be enough to quell the unease gripping parts of Russia.
