MOSCOW, September 17 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Units of the Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) began training on the detection of different viruses and harmful bacteria, including the Ebola virus, Defense Ministry spokesman for SMF Igor Yegorov stated on Wednesday.
“During the exercise, Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection units, equipped with the newest RKhM-6 chemical reconnaissance vehicles, will perform detection tasks trying to locate more than 10 bacterial and viral pathogens, including anthrax, plague and Ebola.
Yegorov also added that in order to ensure proper coordination of the units soldiers will learn how to use electronic operational maps transmitting information about troop movements and distribution of viruses in real time.
The Ebola virus is currently spreading across West Africa with the death toll standing at more than 2,400 since the epidemic started in March.
Cases have been registered in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Ebola virus is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or tissue of infected animals or people. There is no officially approved medication for the disease, and experts claim prevention is the only cure. Several countries, including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan are currently working on vaccines, with the first live vaccine trial commencing at Oxford University Wednesday.
