Russian Health Officials Deny Adenovirus Pandemic Risk After Media Claims

Overview

• Russia’s chief infectious disease specialist Vladimir Chulanov stated there is no evidence of a pandemic threat linked to adenovirus spread.
• Chulanov said statistics cited by some media, including Moskovsky Komsomolets, reflect influenza cases rather than adenovirus.
• According to Chulanov, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not verified reports of a new adenovirus type.
• Surveillance indicates adenoviruses account for a small share of respiratory viruses in Russia, measured at 0.8% in week two of 2026 and 3.4% currently, which Rospotrebnadzor described as insignificant.
• Officials reiterated prevention steps such as hand hygiene, staying home when symptomatic, and mask use when ill, noting there is no universal antiviral therapy or vaccine and treatment is symptomatic.