Several foreign news websites have recently published information about cases of an unknown illness affecting people in Russia. Initially, patients experienced fatigue, body aches, and weakness, resembling common seasonal illnesses.

However, after a few days, more severe symptoms appeared, including high temperature (39°C); severe coughing, causing tears and bloody phlegm; and extreme fatigue, leading to bedridden conditions.

Many affected individuals tested negative for COVID-19 and influenza, and the causative agent remains unidentified.

Hearing about the news, the Department of Health Control contacted the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam for verification.

Initial information from WHO Europe indicates that some cases have been identified as infections caused by Mycoplasma bacteria, which is a pathogen responsible for respiratory tract infections. Mycoplasma infections damage the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, including the throat, trachea, and lungs.

The disease spreads from person to person through tiny droplets containing bacteria expelled by coughing or sneezing. However, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Currently, WHO is working with Russian health authorities to gather more information.

The Vietnamese Department of Disease Control will closely monitor the situation and collaborate with relevant organizations to provide accurate updates, to ensure that the public remains informed without causing unnecessary panic or complacency, says the department.

Vietnam asks WHO, China for more information on spike in respiratory illnesses

VOV.VN - The General Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health has requested more information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Chinese agency for International Health Regulations (IHR) regarding an increase in respiratory illness cases occurring in China.