Jakarta, ThedailyID — A researcher at an anti-plague laboratory in Russia has died after developing pneumonia with an unknown cause.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Shelekhov, near Irkutsk. Russian state media TASS reported the case.
Russia’s consumer and health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said one researcher died after doctors diagnosed her with pneumonia of an unknown cause.
“The sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Irkutsk region and Shelekhov is stable,” Rospotrebnadzor said, as quoted by CNN on Monday, October 5.
The death sparked speculation about a possible plague outbreak. Alexei Tsydenov, head of the neighboring Republic of Buryatia, initially said a 28-year-old female staff member possibly died from plague.
However, Tsydenov stressed that there was no plague outbreak in Buryatia.
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev also urged residents to remain calm on Friday, October 2. He said an emergency meeting of the regional anti-epidemic commission had taken place with Russia’s chief state sanitary doctor.
An aluminum plant near the laboratory also instructed its employees to wear masks as a precaution. Plant director Artem Fominikh urged residents not to panic over rumors.
“All identified close contacts are under medical observation. They currently show no symptoms of any disease, and their laboratory test results are negative,” Fominikh said.
Local outlet Liudi Baikala reported that nearly 200 people were quarantined at hospitals in Shelekhov. At least one maternity hospital in the city also reportedly imposed quarantine measures.
Gennady Onishchenko, the head of Rospotrebnadzor, said the infection was most likely not plague. Even if it were plague, he said there was no indication of a wider spread.
The source also explained that pneumonic plague is one of three forms of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Unlike other forms, pneumonic plague can spread directly between people through respiratory particles.
Symptoms can include fever, headache and weakness. The illness can then progress rapidly to breathing difficulties, chest pain, coughing and sometimes bloody mucus.
The World Health Organization says plague can be fatal, but antibiotics and preventive measures can help treat and control the disease.
