Russia delivers aid to Serbia to fight virus

Russian military airplanes carrying medical experts and equipment arrived at Batajnica Air Base, northwest of Belgrade, on Saturday to help with efforts to control the virus outbreak in Serbia.

The Russian Defence Ministry said 11 military cargo planes will bring eight medical teams.

The move follows last month's deployment of a similar Russian coronavirus task force to Italy and the delivery of medical supplies to the United States on Wednesday.

Russia in February provided medical aid to China and later dispatched assistance to Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and various ex-Soviet nations.

Russian officials have angrily rejected claims that the Kremlin was seeking political gains by providing medical aid to Italy and other countries.

At least 39 deaths have been recorded in Serbia.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.