A national epidemiology service has urged Russians to avoid kissing and to use condoms for a month after returning from overseas trips to prevent the spread of the Zika virus, the TASS news agency reported Tuesday.
The recommendation by an epidemiology institute of consumer protection watchdog Rospotrebnadzor primarily applies to people who return from Brazil or other countries where Zika outbreaks have been registered, the report said.
The Zika virus has primarily been transmitted by mosquitos so far, but a handful of cases registered this month prompted hypotheses that the virus might also be sexually transmitted.
Russia's first case of the Zika virus was reported this week, according to Rospotrebnadzor.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
