Belarusian ruler says he had adenovirus but won’t die

May 23, BPN. Alaksandr Łukašenka has said that he had recovered from an adenovirus infection, dismissing rumors of his imminent death as “idle speculation.”

Łukašenka told a meeting on health issues in Minsk that he was unable to recover quickly because of his busy schedule and travels, reported a Telegram channel affiliated with his press office.

“I’m not going to die. You will suffer with me for a very long time,” he said. “If anyone thinks I’m going to die, calm down.”

Łukašenka did not appear in public for six days after attending Victory Day events in Minsk and Moscow on May 9. He resurfaced last week, meeting with military officials. His absence did not cause any major turmoil in Belarus, but it did spark speculation about his health and the country’s future.

Adenoviruses are contagious and can cause fever, cough, sore throat and other symptoms. Doctors say that the disease usually goes away on its own within a few days, but can cause complications in people with weak immune systems.