A Russian laboratory researcher has died after developing an unexplained infection following a reported laboratory accident in Siberia.
The incident occurred at the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Shelekhov, located in Russia’s Irkutsk region. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the possible cause.
The researcher reportedly developed pneumonia of “unknown” origin before dying. Officials are also examining whether the case could be connected to plague.
Authorities Investigate Possible Plague
Russia’s Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare reported the incident at the research institute.
The facility works with infectious diseases, according to reports from Russian state media. Meanwhile, authorities have taken precautionary measures in nearby areas.
Maternity hospitals in surrounding cities were placed under quarantine following the incident. Staff at a nearby aluminium plant and the laboratory were also advised to wear face masks.
However, authorities said the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Irkutsk and Shelekhov remains “stable”.
Officials have also stressed that there is no confirmed plague outbreak. Nevertheless, the head of neighbouring Buryatia said another employee, aged 28, died “possibly from plague.”
Contact Tracing and Medical Monitoring Underway
Following the death, authorities began checking people who had close contact with the deceased researcher.
Artem Fominikh, director of the Irkutsk Aluminium Plant, said officials were examining all identified contacts. So far, those people have not shown signs of the disease.
He also said laboratory tests conducted on those contacts returned “negative”.
Meanwhile, unofficial reports said nearly 200 people were placed under observation at the Shelekhov hospital.
The reported observation involved people connected to the hospital where the laboratory technician had received treatment.
Former Health Official Plays Down Outbreak Fears
Gennady Onishchenko, a former head of Russia’s consumer protection agency, also commented on the situation.
He said there was likely no plague outbreak. Furthermore, he said that even if plague were confirmed, the disease would not spread.
The comments came as authorities continued monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the researcher’s death.
At the same time, officials have urged the public to remain calm.
The regional anti-epidemic commission also held an extraordinary meeting following the incident. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation in the affected areas.
US Monitoring the Situation
The United States has also taken note of reports surrounding the suspected infection.
A US State Department spokesperson said American officials were aware of pneumonic plague in Russia. The spokesperson said the situation was being monitored closely.
The US also urged Russian authorities to provide accurate information about the situation soon.
Meanwhile, the investigation remains focused on determining the nature of the infection and the circumstances surrounding the researcher’s death.
For now, authorities in Irkutsk and Shelekhov maintain that the sanitary and epidemiological situation remains “stable”. They are also continuing precautionary measures while officials examine the reported infection and possible links to plague.
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