What We Know About Russia Pneumonic 'Plague' After Dozens Quarantined in Siberia
Outbreak control measures are underway after a laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia died last week in undisclosed circumstances.
Dozens of individuals have been placed under quarantine and are under observation following the death of a laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute in Siberia. The cause of death has been determined as "pneumonia of undetermined origin," although conflicting reports from local media suggested that the 28-year-old worker may have contracted pneumonic plague from a broken test tube.
The regional governor of Irkutsk has stated that no evidence supports this claim, and laboratory tests have found no microorganisms related to the worker's professional activities in her biological samples. Extensive anti-epidemic measures are being implemented in the area, and anyone who had contact with the deceased is being tested daily.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov advises that official updates should be sought from Rospotrebnadzor, rather than relying on rumors. While pneumonic plague is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, it is generally treatable with antibiotics if identified promptly. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov advises that official updates should be sought from Rospotrebnadzor, rather than relying on rumors.
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