Mystery virus outbreak leaves bedridden victims ‘coughing blood’ after 5 days

Russian health authorities have not disclosed the number of cases or hospital admissions as the unidentified respiratory virus striking multiple regions across the country

Multiple regions of Russia have been struck by an unidentified virus as patients exhibit persistent high fever and severe coughing – including throwing up blood.

Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti and independent channel SHOT reported on the outbreak of the mystery illness this week, but despite rising concerns, health authorities have not disclosed the number of cases or hospital admissions. Patients have reported general weakness and body aches that resemble typical seasonal illnesses.

But by the third and fourth day patients have said their condition rapidly worsened, with many bedridden with high fevers and such intense coughing that they are crying and coughing up blood.

One sufferer told SHOT she began coughing blood five days into her illness, and that she’d tested negative for COVID-19 and influenza.

Doctors have noted similar symptoms across several patients but have not identified the pathogen. Cases have been classified as an “acute upper respiratory tract infection, unspecified” (ARVI).

Some medical sources have suggested it could be linked to a bacterial infection called mycoplasma pneumonia which caused a spike in Russian hospitalisations late last year, but this has not been confirmed.

Paediatrician Dmitry Malykh said the infections are especially dangerous for infants and children with chronic conditions and adults may experience complications such as pneumonia.

Some individuals have been found to recover within days, but others are experiencing fevers lasting over 10 days.

Prolonged coughing and antibiotic-resistant symptoms have also been reported.

Health officials have not announced public health measures or offered specific guidance beyond existing respiratory illness advice, and there has been no indication of lockdowns or school closures.

But there has been no confirmation of community transmission or an international spread. The origin of the virus, however, remains unclear.

Healthcare providers are advising caution and urging those with severe symptoms to seek medical help immediately, but there has been no formal response from the Russian Ministry of Health.

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