Pneumonic plague fears grow in Russia after lab worker dies

Pneumonic plague fears have prompted quarantine measures in Siberia after a laboratory worker at a plague research institute died following pneumonia, Joburg Etc reports.

According to Reuters, the 28-year-old woman worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. Russian authorities have placed nearly 200 people under medical observation, while the hospital where she was treated has been quarantined.

Officials have not confirmed that plague caused the death. Al Jazeera reports Russia’s consumer watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said the woman had been diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown origin and testing had found no microorganisms linked to her professional activities. An official previously said she may have died from plague.

The case has raised concern because the woman worked at a facility specialising in plague research. Health officials are monitoring developments, while Russian authorities continue testing samples and contacts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says plague is caused by Yersinia pestis and can occur in bubonic, pneumonic and septicaemic forms. Pneumonic plague is the most virulent form and can spread between people through respiratory particles.

WHO says the disease can be fatal for patients without early treatment, although antibiotics are effective when given promptly. The organisation says pneumonic plague is especially contagious and ‘can trigger severe epidemics’ through person-to-person transmission.