Russia reports start of seasonal ORVI and flu epidemic rise

Rospotrebnadzor head Anna Popova announced the beginning of an epidemic rise in acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in Russia, while asserting high readiness and stable sanitary-epidemiological conditions. The statement signals the onset of the seasonal respiratory illness wave, with no specific data on case numbers or severity provided. This is a routine seasonal development, but monitoring is warranted for potential strain severity or healthcare strain.