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Flu epidemic declared in Russia’s regions

Since the start of the cold season, nearly 15,000 cases of pneumonia have been registered

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. An influenza epidemic has been declared across Russia, head of Rospotrebnadzor, the consumer rights watchdog, Anna Popova said on Thursday.

"During the 49th week, which ended this Sunday, there is already an increase of the week’s epidemic threshold in 20 regions, and in addition in 10 central cities of the regions," Popova said.

Since the start of the cold season, nearly 15,000 cases of pneumonia have been registered, a 38.7% increase, year-on-year, the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights said.

In the Ivanovo region, some 250 km northeast of Moscow, the epidemic threshold is 24% higher, and in the city of Ivanovo the increase stood at 69%.

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