Scientists from Russia’s research center Vector have confirmed the first case of H5N8 avian influenza in Russia.
Addressing the nation on February 20, Public Health Chief, Anna Popova said, “It has detected seven cases of H5N8 in workers in a poultry farm in Southern Russia.”
“These seven people feel fine, they have only mild clinical symptoms,” she said.
Speaking on how contagious this virus would be, Popova said, “As of now the disease is non-contagious, but only time will tell how future mutations will allow it to overcome this barrier.”
“The information regarding these seven cases has also been sent to the WHO,” Popova added.
