Checklists, masks and mystery: What we know about the plague scare in Russia

Moscow — In response to the death of a young woman at a Siberian anti-plague laboratory, Russian authorities have taken extensive measures to ensure public safety. The woman, a lab technician at Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia, contracted an illness that has raised concerns among the public. Questions have arisen over the nature of her illness and why authorities have isolated her contacts while downplaying the possibility of plague.

The local maternity hospital in Irkutsk has introduced stringent health checks for patients, requiring them to fill out questionnaires about symptoms related to "plague" and other infectious diseases. A 29-year-old blogger, Ulyana Gavryunina, was forced to change maternity hospitals due to new quarantine restrictions, as her husband was not allowed to accompany her during labor.

Staff at the facility checked her temperature, instructed her to wear a mask, sanitize her hands, and complete two questionnaires. One of the questionnaires was titled "Checklist for Suspected Highly Dangerous Infectious Disease Plague," listing symptoms such as high fever and chest pain.

The atmosphere in the hospital remained calm, with everyone wearing masks. Gavryunina expressed her main concern over being denied the presence of her husband during labor. Residents have raised concerns about transparency, stating that authorities are not fully disclosing the situation. Some residents feel that the situation is being downplayed as pneumonia, while others have noted the continued quarantine measures and healthcare workers wearing protective suits.

A lab worker, identified as 28-year-old Darya Shipilova, was hospitalized on September 29 and died at a hospital in Shelekhov, about 12 miles southwest of Irkutsk, at the end of last week. Darya's friend confirmed her death on October 2, but did not provide additional details.