WHAT IS IT?

'Novichok' (Russian for 'newcomer') is among the most deadly nerve agents.

More than 100 formulations of Novichok were developed by the USSR in the 1970s and 1980s.

Novichok agents are dispersed as an ultra-fine powder which can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.

Novichok agents block acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme active in the nervous system. The result is involuntary contraction of muscles, leading to cardiac arrest and asphyxiation.

WHY THE WARNING?

In early March, 2018, a former Russian double agent, Sergei Skripal, as well as his daughter, were attacked with Novichok at their home in Salisbury, Wiltshire, located SW of London.

Based on intelligence findings, the UK government directly blames the Russian government for the assassination attempt.

This past Saturday, two adults (one male, one female) were found unconscious in their Amesbury, Salisbury home. Police initially suspected the couple had overdosed on heroin or cocaine. Based on various undisclosed symptoms that were observed by paramedics, doctors ran additional tests.

Those tests came back positive for Novichok.

At this time it is unknown where the latest couple came in contact with nerve agent. 

Today's warning is issued as a precaution.