First SARS case registered in Russia

The first SARS case has been officially registered in Russia. Patient S. who is currently undergoing treatment in one of Blagoveshchensk's hospitals /Russia's Far East/ has been diagnosed with "atypical pneumonia." The diagnosis has been confirmed by laboratory experts, Russian Chief Epidemiologist Gennady Onishchenko has stated.

"The SARS diagnosis has been confirmed by one parameter and a high titre of antiviral bodies in the patient's blood," the Health Ministry's press release said.

The patient's condition is currently improving, according to Gennady Onishchenko.