Russia denies plague cases in Irkutsk after lab worker's death from pneumonia
Russia has clarified to the World Health Organization that no cases of plague have been documented in the Irkutsk region following the death of a 28-year-old laboratory worker at a Siberian anti-plague research institute. The woman died after developing severe pneumonia, sparking international concern and social media speculation about possible exposure to the plague bacterium.
According to WHO, Russian authorities confirmed on October 6 that the worker's illness initially presented as a typical acute respiratory viral infection. The cause of her severe pneumonia remains undetermined. Russian health authorities reported conducting an epidemiological investigation, implementing preventive measures, and placing identified contacts under medical observation. No high-threat pathogens were detected among the contacts.
WHO said it has requested further information to clarify the cause of the pneumonia and reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause. The organisation emphasised the importance of timely and transparent information sharing to assess potential public health risks.
