5 October :A laboratory technician has died after reportedly contracting plague at a research facility in the Shelekhov area of Irkutsk in Siberia, Russia. At least five hospitals have been closed and more than 200 people placed in quarantine amid concerns that the infection could spread.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Anti-Plague Research Institute, established in 1934, when a test tube containing live bacteria accidentally broke during sample collection. The technician, identified as Shipilova, subsequently developed pneumonic plague, a highly infectious and potentially fatal form of the disease, according to reports.
She was admitted to hospital on 29 September with severe symptoms of pneumonia. Her condition later deteriorated and she was placed on a ventilator. She died while undergoing treatment on 1 October.
Following the incident, public gatherings and political events in Irkutsk were cancelled. Russia’s consumer protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor, has stepped up emergency public health measures and is implementing comprehensive epidemic-control measures to prevent possible transmission.
There have been some discrepancies in statements from Russian officials regarding the incident. Initially, Irkutsk regional Governor Igor Kobzev warned of the spread of a “dangerous infection”. However, in a Telegram post on Sunday, he said the case involved pneumonia of unknown origin and that no occupational pathogen had been detected in samples from the deceased woman.
Meanwhile, on 2 October, neighbouring Buryatia regional Governor Alexey Sidenov said the woman from Irkutsk had most likely died after contracting plague.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonic plague is a highly contagious and severe form of plague. It can spread through tiny airborne particles and can become fatal if treatment is not started promptly after symptoms appear.
Authorities are continuing to monitor and quarantine people who may have been in contact with the affected individual, while taking additional public health measures to prevent any potential spread of the infection.
Source: NDTV