WHO Seeks More Data on Russia Plague Scare
The World Health Organization says it still does not have a complete picture of the unexplained death of a worker at Russia’s Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, despite Moscow saying no plague cases have been detected in the region.
WHO Seeks More Data From Russia
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Russia had responded to requests for information by stating that no plague case had recently been reported in Irkutsk and that around 200 contacts had been placed under quarantine.
However, WHO has requested further laboratory results from the deceased researcher and those who came into contact with her.
The organisation also wants more detail on why such extensive public health measures were introduced and the current health status of people being monitored.
Second Pneumonia Case Remains Unverified
WHO is also seeking verification of reports that a second employee at the anti-plague institute developed pneumonia of undetermined cause.
Russian authorities have rejected reports of a second suspected plague case and described them as false information.
The original case involved 28-year-old Darya Shipilova, who died after being hospitalised with severe pneumonia. Early reports suggested possible pneumonic plague following accidental laboratory exposure, but this has not been confirmed.
Full Plague Risk Assessment Still Pending
WHO said it cannot conduct a complete risk assessment until Russia provides more detailed and transparent information.
The organisation has offered technical assistance on plague investigation, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.
No wider plague outbreak has been confirmed, and monitored contacts have not been reported as showing evidence of plague infection.
