WHO update on plague after lab worker's death (Photo source: @opinion_kings)

Concern had grown after the death of a 28-year-old research laboratory worker in Irkutsk, Russia, in suspicious circumstances. Early reports suggested the woman may have contracted pneumonic plague after a test tube broke in the laboratory. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said Russian health authorities have not reported any recent plague case in the Irkutsk region. No high-threat pathogen has been found among the people who came into contact with the deceased either.

Lab worker died on 2 October

The case relates to the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old lab assistant working there, was admitted to hospital with symptoms of severe pneumonia and died on 2 October. Soon after her death, local media reports, citing sources, claimed that an infection had occurred during an accident at the laboratory. This led to fear of an epidemic in the area.

No dangerous bacteria found in tests

Given the seriousness of the matter, Russia's national health agency, Rospotrebnadzor, began an investigation. Biological samples of the deceased were tested, and no dangerous bacteria or germs linked to her work were found. According to Russian officials, everyone who had been in contact with her was immediately placed under medical observation. None of them showed signs of infection or of a pathogen, and the observation period for all those affected is now over.

WHO seeks full report

Although Russia has described the situation as fully under control, WHO has sought some more information for complete clarity. The organisation has asked for technical details to establish the exact cause of the pneumonia, and about media reports of another employee falling ill. WHO's Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that sharing timely and transparent information under the International Health Regulations is extremely important, so that the actual risk can be assessed and misleading rumours curbed.

How dangerous is pneumonic plague?

According to WHO, plague is a disease caused by bacteria. Pneumonic plague is considered its most infectious and deadly form and can spread quickly from one person to another through the air. It can prove fatal if antibiotics are not given in time.

Only a few isolated plague cases have been reported in Russia since 2014. These were mainly caused by contact with wild animals or rodents, and the government brought them under control in time.