Russian propaganda spreads fakes about «new deadly virus» in Ukraine

Russian telegram channels spread misinformation about metapneumovirus, photo: urosvit.com

Russian telegram channels are spreading information about «the new deadly metapneumovirus», which allegedly threatens Ukrainians, especially the military, due to «their weak immunity and dampness in the trenches».

However, these claims are false, as explained by the analytical portal «Vox Ukraine».

The metapneumovirus is not new — it was identified in 2001 in the Netherlands and has been circulating among humans for at least more than 60 years. Cases of the virus have been reported in Ukraine and China before.

The World Health Organisation confirmed that no emergencies related to the metapneumovirus have been reported. In China, where an increase in infectious diseases was recorded at the beginning of the year, the situation is already stabilising.

In Ukraine, 15 cases of metapneumovirus were reported during the epidemic season, which is even less than in the previous season (20 cases). There have been no fatalities.

Metapneumovirus is transmitted by airborne droplets, but is not particularly dangerous or fatal. Russian propaganda is using isolated cases to stir up panic among Ukrainians. Experts advise checking information and following basic hygiene rules to avoid infection.

Earlier it was reported that the incidence of SARS and COVID-19 in Mykolaiv region increased by 40.9%, but the epidemic threshold was not exceeded.