An unsettling incident has surfaced from southeastern Russia involving the demise of a 28-year-old woman due to pneumonia, raising concerns that she may have been exposed to a strain of plague at her workplace. Specifically, pneumonic plague.
Limited information is available at present. Russian authorities have stated that there is no current evidence linking the illness to any pathogens the woman handled at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East.
However, speculation was fueled by the governor of a neighboring region over the weekend through a post on Telegram, initially suggesting the woman succumbed to plague, later amending his statement to include “maybe.”
Following the woman’s death last week, individuals have been quarantined at the hospital where she passed away. Many others who had contact with her are under medical supervision, as confirmed by Anna Popova from Russia’s public health agency.
There are concerns regarding the transparency of Russian authorities and the shock of someone dying from an illness associated with the Middle Ages, a disease many may not realize still exists.
Here is an overview of what is known and unknown about the situation in Irkutsk, the deceased lab worker, and the statements made by Russian and global officials regarding the case.
**Incident Details:**
According to reports from Russian state-run news agency TASS, the employee was diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown origin. Local media has identified her as laboratory technician Darya Shipilova, reporting her passing on Friday.
The lab, established under the former Soviet Union in 1934, is engaged in scientific research on plague control, vaccine development, epidemic prevention, as well as handling other hazardous infectious diseases like cholera, brucellosis, and anthrax.
It is crucial to note that CBC News has not independently verified Shipilova’s identity or her specific duties at the lab.
**Understanding Pneumonic Plague:**
Plague, famously known as the Black Death during the European outbreak in the 1300s, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis), carried by small mammals and primarily transmitted by fleas feeding on them.
The disease manifests in three forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Pneumonic plague poses a significant risk as it infects the lungs, enabling airborne transmission between individuals. Symptoms can appear within one to three days of inhalation and may include high fever, cough, coughing up blood, and breathing difficulties, potentially leading to fatality if untreated.
**Global Response:**
Russian officials are working to allay fears of a potential outbreak, while countries like Kazakhstan are taking precautions by issuing alerts and implementing quarantine measures at border crossings. The World Health Organization (WHO) is in contact with Russian health authorities, offering support if necessary.
Both U.S. President Donald Trump and Health Canada are monitoring the situation closely, with reassurances that there is no current risk to Canada. The last human case of plague recorded in Canada dates back to 1939.
In conclusion, while uncertainties persist, this incident differs from the COVID-19 pandemic due to the nature of plague as a distinct pathogen. Swift response measures, such as contact tracing and antibiotic administration to at-risk individuals, are crucial in controlling any potential spread.