Nearly 200 People Under Observation After Irkutsk Lab Worker Dies From Plague
Alexei Tsydenov, head of the neighboring republic of Buryatia, confirmed that the woman had died from an unspecified form of plague.
Nearly 200 individuals in Irkutsk, Russia have been placed under medical observation following the death of a laboratory worker who contracted plague, according to recent reports. The woman, identified as Daria Sh., a 27- or 28-year-old employee at the Irkutsk anti-plague institute, died on Thursday after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia on Tuesday.
She reportedly sustained an injury while handling live bacteria in a test tube. Irkutsk officials had previously only described the illness as a "particularly dangerous infection." Regional leader Alexei Tsydenov from neighboring Buryatia confirmed the woman's death from an unspecified form of plague, emphasizing that her infection was unrelated to Buryatia and that there are no plague outbreaks in the region.
The Shelekhov district hospital where she was treated was placed under quarantine. At least 197 people who may have had contact with her are currently under medical isolation, including over 100 in hospital wards. Authorities have canceled planned public events in Irkutsk and launched a criminal investigation into potential health safety violations.
The incident has sparked concerns about health safety and prompted authorities to urge the public to remain calm.
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