Russia alleges monkeypox spread began from 4 biological labs operated by US in Nigeria

Months after accusing United States of having biological laboratories in Ukraine, Russia has w claimed that re are at least 4 US-operated biological laboratories in Nigeria from where monkeypox virus was spread. As per reports of Sputnik, Igor Kirillov, chief of Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops, issued a new briefing on Friday, stating that United States has 4 biological laboratories in Nigeria.

Kirillov ted that WHO concluded that  current monkeypox virus originated in Nigeria, claiming that this is ar state where United States has placed its biological laboratories. He went on to state that according to evidence available, African nation holds at least four US-controlled Biolabs. Kirillov also cited media reports based on a 2021 Munich Security Conference-Nuclear Threat Initiative simulation modelling spread of a bioengineered, highly lethal form of monkeypox, describing exercise as "an odd coincidence" that requires furr verification by specialists.

'WHO should investigate activities of US-funded labs in Nigeria'

He stressed that in light of repeated US violations of biosafety requirements and evidence of careless stor of pathogenic biomaterials, WHO should investigate activities of US-funded labs in Nigeria, which are located in cities of Abuja, Zaria and Lagos, and report ir findings to international community. Kirillov also expressed concerns regarding safety of smallpox virus samples within US.

Kirillov furr claimed that because of a lack of effective manment and a violation of biosecurity standards in United States, this disease might be exploited by terrorists. He continued by saying that between 2014 and 2021, US Food and Drug Administration, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases in Maryland, and Center for Vaccine Research in Pennsylvania all uncovered unaccounted for vials containing virus. He said that activities of se labs breached 1996 WHO resolution prohibiting stor of smallpox's causal nt in all but one US-based laboratory, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

300 confirmed or suspected cases of monkeypox

It is pertinent to mention here that re have been approximately 300 confirmed or suspected cases of monkeypox in around 20 countries where virus had t previously circulated. WHO is taking steps to combat disease. However, it has advised countries t to impose travel restrictions due to outbreak.

Im: AP