MOSCOW, October 3: Health authorities in Russia’s Siberian Irkutsk region have placed nearly 200 people under medical observation after a young laboratory worker died in a suspected plague case. The woman worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute, while authorities have introduced quarantine and contact-tracing measures following her death.
Lab Worker Dies After Severe Illness
The woman, identified by local media as 28-year-old Darya Shipilova, was admitted to a hospital in Shelekhov after developing severe pneumonia.
She was placed on mechanical ventilation but died on Thursday despite medical treatment.
Possible Laboratory Exposure Under Investigation
Local reports said the laboratory worker may have been exposed after accidentally breaking a test tube containing live plague bacteria while handling samples.
Authorities have not yet released a final investigation establishing exactly how she became infected.
Nearly 200 Contacts Being Monitored
Around 197 people who may have come into contact with the woman were reportedly identified for medical observation, with more than 100 monitored in hospital facilities.
Officials said those identified as contacts had shown no symptoms and initial laboratory tests were negative.
Hospital Placed Under Quarantine
The district hospital in Shelekhov where the woman received treatment was placed under quarantine as health teams assessed potential exposure.
Authorities are continuing epidemiological investigations and monitoring people who may have had direct or indirect contact with the patient.
Pneumonic Plague Suspected
Some reports have described the infection as pneumonic plague, although regional authorities have not publicly confirmed the specific form in all official statements.
Pneumonic plague affects the lungs and can spread between people through respiratory droplets, making rapid identification and treatment particularly important.
Public Events Cancelled in Irkutsk
Authorities reportedly cancelled some public events in Irkutsk as a precaution while containment measures were implemented.
Regional officials have urged residents to remain calm and said health authorities are carrying out necessary measures to prevent further transmission.
Investigation Opened Into Safety Procedures
Law-enforcement authorities have reportedly begun examining whether health and laboratory safety rules were violated in connection with the incident.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the possible laboratory exposure and subsequent handling of the case.
No Wider Outbreak Confirmed
Officials have stressed that there is currently no confirmed wider plague outbreak in the region.
With contacts under medical observation and initial tests returning negative, authorities are continuing surveillance while the investigation into the fatal infection proceeds.
Source – The Moscow Times / The Indian Express / AFP The Moscow Times
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