Russian laboratory worker dies as authorities investigate suspected plague case

Russian laboratory worker dies as authorities investigate suspected plague case

Dozens of people are reportedly under observation after a 28-year-old laboratory technician at Russia’s Siberian Anti-Plague Research Institute in Irkutsk died following a diagnosis of pneumonia of “unknown” origin.

Russia’s consumer and infectious disease agency, Rospotrebnadzor, said no microorganisms associated with the woman’s professional duties were detected in samples taken from her. The agency also said the epidemiological situation in the region remained stable.

Despite that assessment, regional authorities have implemented a series of anti-epidemic measures. The hospital area where the woman was treated was placed under quarantine, while several departments stopped admitting or discharging patients. Other hospitals in the region were also reportedly closed.

Unofficial reports said nearly 200 people were under observation. Authorities said there had been no reports of infectious illnesses among institute staff in the previous 10 days and that people who had recently been in contact with the woman were being tested and examined.

The head of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, traveled to Irkutsk for an emergency meeting of the regional anti-epidemic commission. Regional Governor Igor Kobzev said the meeting concerned a suspected case of a particularly dangerous infection affecting a resident.

The Kremlin urged the public to rely on official information from Rospotrebnadzor rather than rumors and speculation.

The possibility of plague has not been confirmed. The head of neighboring Buryatia, Alexei Tsydenov, previously said the woman had possibly died from plague, while also stating that there was no plague outbreak in Buryatia.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said American officials were aware of reports of a possible death from pneumonic plague in Russia and were monitoring the situation with the CDC and other agencies. The spokesperson said many details remained unconfirmed and urged Russian authorities to share accurate information quickly and openly.

Pneumonic plague is one of three forms of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. According to the CDC, symptoms can include fever, headache, weakness and rapidly developing pneumonia with difficulty breathing, chest pain and coughing. The disease has a high mortality rate but can be treated with antibiotics.